Former India cricketers Sunil Gavaskar and Ravi Shastri were unhappy with India bowler Mohammed Siraj throwing away the ball after Australia’s Steve Smith moved away from his stance as the bowler came into bowl.
The incident happened on day two of the ongoing ICC WTC 2023 final when Smith moved away from his stance as Siraj approached the bowling crease after being distracted by a spider cam. Siraj, frustrated by this, threw the ball straight at the stumps before having a few words with the batter.
Before this, Smith started the day on 95 and was able to reach his century with two consecutive boundaries off the pacer's bowling.
Former India skipper Sunil Gavaskar was not pleased with the incident and he made his views clear in commentary.
"What is happening? I mean these are the second and third deliveries of the day,” Gavaskar remarked on Star Sports.
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Former India head coach Ravi Shastri also took Smith's side and said that he had “every right” to move away before the delivery was bowled.
"Steve Smith is just backing away. Didn't please Siraj but Smith had every right to move out of the way. It's more the frustration of Siraj being hit for two boundaries. He got sounded off by Rohit Sharma the previous ball,” Shastri said.
Smith finally fell for 121 runs and with Travis Head making 163, Australia put up a brilliant 469 in their first innings.
During the post-day presser, Mohammed Siraj spoke about the altercation and said: "It's nothing, it's enjoyment. We want to stay relaxed and enjoy ourselves when we are on the ground. If we take too much pressure, it won't work. It's nothing,"
In reply, India faltered as Australian bowlers reduced them to 76/4 with Rohit Sharma (15), Shubman Gill (13) and Cheteshwar Pujara ,(14) and Virat Kohli (14) failing against disciplined Australian bowling.
India ended day two on 151/5 with Ajinkya Rahane on 29* and Ravindra Jadeja having been dismissed for a quick 48 in 51 balls.
