The fourth day of the third Test match between India and England at Lord’s ground in London was full of drama.
Indian fast bowler Mohammed Siraj celebrated fiercely after dismissing England batsman Ben Duckett, but this celebration cost him heavily.
The ICC fined Siraj 15% of his match fee and also gave him a demerit point.
Former England fast bowler Stuart Broad was furious over this decision and criticized the ICC, calling it “hypocrisy”.
Siraj’s aggressive celebration became trouble
During the match, Siraj celebrated enthusiastically in front of Duckett after dismissing him. When Duckett was returning to the pavilion, Siraj touched the ball and made some gesture, which the ICC considered a violation of the code of conduct.
Under ICC rule 2.5, a celebration that is provocative or insulting to the batsman is considered wrong. Siraj was found guilty and fined and another demerit point was added to his record.
This is his second offense in the last 24 months, due to which his demerit points have now become two.
Broad’s anger: “Players are not robots”
Stuart Broad expressed his displeasure over this decision. He wrote on X,
“Find this ridiculous. Siraj 15% for aggressive celebration. Gill swears live on tv & carries on and what? It’s either both or neither. Players aren’t and shouldn’t be robots but consistency is key.”
Broad says that players are not robots, who behave the same way every time. He demanded uniformity in the rules from the ICC and raised the question why some players get punished and some do not.
IND vs ENG 3rd Test: Match status
Talking about the match, England’s team collapsed for 192 runs in 62.1 overs. India needed 327 runs to win, and by the end of the fourth day’s play, India’s score was 58/4.
Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul are at the crease, and India’s hopes now rest on these two.
