Stuart Broad has hit out at fine dished out to Mohammed Siraj amidst a number of fiery exchanges during England’s ongoing Test match against India.
Broad, the former England fast bowler, responded to the ICC’s decision to fine Siraj after he gave Ben Duckett a send-off upon dismissing the English opener.
Siraj was fined 15% of his match fee after breaching article 2.5 of the ICC code of conduct, which relates to ‘using language, actions or gestures which disparage or which could provoke an aggressive reaction from a batter upon his/her dismissal during an international match.’
Pointing towards the behaviour of Shubman Gill late on day two of the contest, Broad stated his belief that the match officials were inconsistent with their punishments.
‘Find this ridiculous,’ said the current Sky commentator on X.
‘Siraj 15% for aggressive celebration. Gill swears live on tv & carries on and what?
Stuart Broad took to social media to give his views on the fine handed out to Mohammed Siraj
Siraj was fined 15% of his match fee for the send-off he gave after dismissing Ben Duckett
Shubman Gill was not punished by the match referee after appearing to be heard swearing
Stuart Broad is now working as a commentator for Sky Sports having retired from Test cricket
‘It’s either both or neither. Players aren’t and shouldn’t be robots but consistency is key.’
As Saturday’s play came towards a close in the third Test of the series, England openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett looked to survive a late new ball burst.
England were left with seven minutes to bat but Crawley’s time-wasting, including pulling out of one delivery before later calling for the physio, ensured that only one over was possible, much to the fury of India.
Shubman Gill, the India captain, was heard on the stump mic telling Crawley to ‘Grow some f***ing balls’.
Crawley survived the over from Jasprit Bumrah but England were bowled out the following day for 192, leaving India with a chase of 193.
When Siraj dismissed Duckett on Sunday, the opener playing a loose pull shot to be caught at mid-on, his celebration reflected both the previous night’s frustration and the importance of the dismissal, given Duckett’s match-winning hundred in the first Test.
He went too far according to the officials, celebrating aggressively in Duckett’s face, leading to the punishment from the ICC.
India enter the last day of play needing 135 runs to win as England look for six wickets to take a 2-1 series lead.
