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"Game Of Emotions Not Robots": Naseer Hussain Defends Siraj's Aggression After ICC Fine

Akshita Patel

Mohammed Siraj gets support from Naseer Hussain [Source: @nayika_nayika/X.com]Mohammed Siraj gets support from Naseer Hussain [Source: @nayika_nayika/X.com]

Former England captain Nasser Hussain has strongly defended India’s fast bowler Mohammed Siraj after the ICC fined him for his fiery celebration during the Lord’s Test against England. Hussain claimed Siraj performs better when he is fired up, and Test cricket needs such an attitude, as it's a game of emotions.

The moment that caused controversy included a minor shoulder contact between Siraj and Ben Duckett, which upset some English fans. The Indian bowler celebrated in an aggressive manner, which the ICC called “provocative.” They claimed it could have led to an “aggressive reaction from a batter.”

As a result, he was fined 15% of match fees along with one demerit point for violating the code of conduct.

Nasser Hussain Criticises Fine Against Mohammed Siraj

Former England captain Nasser Hussain, however, believes there was nothing serious in the incident and that Siraj should not have been punished. In a podcast with Sky Sports, he said emotions are a part of the game, and it’s better to have passionate players than emotionless ones.

"Siraj was fired up. I think he's a better cricketer when he's fired up. You'd love to have Siraj on the side. I didn't think he should've been fined. He went close to the line, he was right in Duckett's face, he didn't barge (at) Duckett. If anything, Duckett went in that direction to get off the pitch. It wasn't a shoulder barge. I think it's a game of emotions, and you don't need 22 robots. I love the tension,” Hussain said.

The Lord's test had its share of tense moments. On Day 3, England's openers took their time to take the carpet to the field which left the Indian camp riled up.

Captain Shubman Gill was also involved in a heated spat with Zak Crawley, and the tempers ran high for the rest of the match. Ben Stokes also showed some aggression when India came to bat.

Although players like Gill used foul language and even made an obscene gesture, it was only Siraj who faced official action. 

Siraj One Step Away From ICC Ban 

India pacer Mohammed Siraj is just two demerit points short of a suspension after his fiery send-off to Ben Duckett earned him a fine and penalty from the ICC. This latest offence adds to an earlier demerit point from an incident with Australia’s Travis Head in 2024. 

According to ICC rules, four demerit points within two years lead to a ban. Siraj must now tread carefully, as one more violation could see him miss a crucial Test or limited-overs match.