Mohammed Siraj Receives Demerit Point for Aggressive Send-Off

India’s fast bowler Mohammed Siraj has been fined 15 percent of his match fee and assessed a demerit point for an aggressive send-off directed at England’s opening batsman Ben Duckett. The incident occurred during the fourth day of the third Test match at Lord’s on March 15, 2024.

After dismissing Duckett for just 12 runs off 12 balls, Siraj celebrated intensely, brushing shoulders with the departing batsman. Duckett had managed to hit only one boundary during his short stay at the crease. Siraj’s actions were deemed a violation of Article 2.5 of the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Code of Conduct, which addresses behavior that could provoke an aggressive reaction from dismissed players.

The ICC released a statement outlining the specifics of the breach, confirming that Siraj’s conduct constituted an infringement of the rules governing player behavior during international matches. “After the dismissal, Siraj celebrated close to the batter in his follow-through and made contact as Duckett began his walk back to the Lord’s long room,” the statement detailed.

This marked Siraj’s second offense within a 24-month period, resulting in the accumulation of two demerit points on his disciplinary record. Should he reach four demerit points in that timeframe, they could convert into suspension points, potentially leading to a match ban.

On the field, Siraj continued to demonstrate his bowling prowess by dismissing top-order batsman Ollie Pope for four runs, helping to reduce England to 42 for 2. The day was marked by significant action, with a total of 14 wickets falling as India concluded the day at 58 for 4, requiring 135 runs for victory.

As the match progresses into its final day, India is in a precarious position, but with KL Rahul remaining unbeaten on 33 runs from 47 balls, including six boundaries, hopes for a successful chase remain alive. England, having been all out for 192 runs in 62.1 overs, will be eager to capitalize on Siraj’s disciplinary setback as they seek to secure a win in this intense Test series.

The atmosphere at Lord’s promises to be electric as both teams vie for supremacy in this crucial match.