Sunil Gavaskar backs Mohammed Siraj and slams Australian fans for booing India’s pacer

Former Indian star batter Sunil Gavaskar has given his public backing to the pacer-bowler Mohammed Siraj. The 30-year-old has been in the eye of the storm after his spat with Travis Head in Adelaide. Siraj was booed by the crowd as he ran in to bowl on the opening day of the third Test in Brisbane on Saturday. 

Sunil Gavaskar put his weight behind the pacer and slammed the Aussie fans for booing the player. The 75-year-old didn’t hold back on his views while writing his column for known Australian newspaper Sydney Morning Herald. 

Former Indian star wrote, “Head’s explosive batting is a delight to watch, but opposition bowlers are never amused. No wonder Mohammed Siraj, who was flicked nonchalantly for a six the ball before, was pumped up when he knocked over the local hero’s stumps." Post the incident Head and Siraj publicly put their spat behind with a huge gesture at the end of the Adelaide Test. 

‘By nature aggressive on the field’ – Mohammed Siraj backed by Indian legend 

Further writing in the Sydney Morning Herald, the former India star opined, “Who said what to whom will be debated endlessly. Both players ended up with demerit points against their names, with Siraj being lighter in the pocket, too, with a fine. Fast bowlers by nature are aggressive on the field, and when the red mist comes down, it can be hard for them to keep self-control.”

Indian legend also slammed the Australian fans who were booing Siraj. Over the years, fans in Australia have been known to be hostile to opposition players and teams. It has always been said that the fans act as the 12th man for the home team when they are feeling the pressure. 

Mr. Gavaskar also wrote “Siraj is getting the stick from all the 'saints' in Australian cricket who, of course, were known for their impeccable behaviour 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." 

The veteran star also 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."