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"That Crossed The Line..." : Alastair Cook Slams Siraj’s Fiery Send-Off To Duckett At Lord’s

Sakshi Sharma

Mohammed Siraj and Ben Duckett (Source: AP)Mohammed Siraj and Ben Duckett (Source: AP)

Former England captain Alastair Cook has strongly criticized India pacer Mohammed Siraj for his aggressive send-off to Ben Duckett during Day 4 of the third Test at Lord’s. The fast bowler, known for wearing his emotions on his sleeve, appeared to deliberately shoulder-barge Duckett and then screamed at the batter after dismissing him, prompting intervention from the on-field umpires.

 Alastair Cook Calls Out Siraj’s Aggression

The moment, which immediately went viral, became a flashpoint in an already exciting series. Siraj’s celebrations, often seen as passionate, crossed the line on Sunday. While no immediate punishment has been announced, Alastair Cook believes the incident warrants consequences.

“That’s unacceptable, but who is to blame now? Whether Duckett walked right into him and knew exactly what he was doing. Then again, you shouldn’t shout in someone’s face like that. I wholeheartedly say that was wrong. There should be no physical contact. Yes, celebrate a wicket like you mean it. But you’ve got him out; you don’t need to look him in the eye from three inches and shout in his face. So I expect there to be repercussions, and there should be repercussions. That is my opinion. I thought that crossed the line,” Cook said on the BBC Test Match Special.

India's Aggressive New Era?

Team India is likely entering a more aggressive side under the captaincy of Shubman Gill. This team fear none and is more vocal, assertive, and unapologetically confrontational. From KL Rahul’s gestures to Gill’s war of words with England’s openers, this side is not backing down from any challenge. 

Siraj, in particular, has been at the center of it. Earlier in the Test, he had already been warned for excessive appealing and charged-up celebrations, but the shoulder bump incident against Duckett may be the one that brings him disciplinary trouble.

Will ICC Punish Siraj?

Whether the ICC takes disciplinary action against Siraj remains to be seen. But there are likely chances that the ace pacer will be could face disciplinary punishment for his aggressive behaviour and celebrations during the ongoing Test. 

As this gripping India-England series continues, the spotlight will remain firmly on the behaviour of players as much as their performance with bat or ball.