Indian cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar didn’t hold back as he criticized the Australian crowd for their unfair treatment of Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj during the Day-Night Test of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 at the Adelaide Oval in Adelaide.
The fiery Indian pace bowler faced jeers after his intense send-off to local hero Travis Head, who had dazzled with a match-winning century against India in the second Test in Adelaide. The incident sparked intense debate among the cricket fraternity.
Sunil Gavaskar defends Mohammed Siraj amid boos from the Australian crowd
Mohammed Siraj’s passionate send-off to Travis Head stirred strong emotions from the Australian fans that raised eyebrows, as they booed the Indian pacer in Adelaide, and even the booing continued on Day 1 of the third Test between India and Australia at the Gabba.
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Now, Sunil Gavaskar slammed the Australian crowd for their treatment of Siraj, saying the same crowd that booed the Indian pacer will cheer similar aggression from their own players during high-stakes matches, including the upcoming Ashes against England next year.
Mohammed Siraj is getting the stick from all the “saints” in Australia: Sunil Gavaskar
Sunil Gavaskar wrote in a column for the Sydney Morning Herald: “Siraj is getting the stick from all the “saints” in Australian cricket who, of course, were known for their impeccable behavior on the field. It may have incensed Australian fans that Siraj’s fiery send-off was directed at Head, who scored a magnificent century and was also the local boy.”
He added, “But the same people will cheer if an Aussie quick gives a similar send-off to an English batter during next summer’s Ashes. There were some suggestions in the media that the Australians should get back to being the mongrels they once were. So, do mongrels simply purr, or do they bark, too?”
Sunil Gavaskar reflected on the changing spirit of cricket, emphasizing the shift in player behavior during the ongoing Test series. He observed that while the passion and pride of representing one’s country remain as intense as ever, the ugly and unruly conduct that once marred the game has largely faded.
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Hard men do swear when the going gets hard: Sunil Gavaskar
The legendary batter also reflected on the changing dynamics of the game. He acknowledged that cricket may have shifted from its traditional image as a “gentleman’s game,” but it remains a tough sport that demands toughness and resilience.
The former Indian captain also feels the raw emotions and challenges faced by players on the field continue to define the essence of the game and make it as compelling as ever.
Gavaskar signed off by saying, “As we have seen in the two Test matches so far, the intensity and fierce pride of playing for one’s country has not diminished, but uncouth and ugly behavior has been almost eradicated. Now it’s mainly the bat and the ball that do the talking, and that’s how it should be. It may no longer be a gentleman’s game, but it is still a hard game played with a hard ball by hard men. And hard men do swear when the going gets hard.”
