India pacer Mohammed Siraj has been fined 15% of his match fee and received one demerit point for an aggressive send-off to Ben Duckett on Day 4 of the third Test at Lord’s. The offence was classified as a Level 1 breach of the ICC Code of Conduct.
The incident took place during the sixth over of England’s second innings on Sunday. Siraj delivered a 140 kph back-of-a-length ball outside off stump, which Duckett tried to pull. However, the shot lacked timing and direction, resulting in a simple catch to Jasprit Bumrah at mid-on. Clearly fired up, Siraj charged toward the departing Duckett, shouting in celebration and coming very close to the batter — even making slight contact during the send-off. The animated reaction prompted the square-leg umpire to step in and caution the bowler.
An ICC statement confirmed the breach, stating: “After the dismissal, Siraj celebrated close to the batter in his follow-through and made contact as Duckett began his walk back to the Lord’s long room.”
The act was deemed a violation of Article 2.5 of the ICC Code, which deals with “using language, actions or gestures which disparage or could provoke an aggressive reaction from a dismissed batter.”
Duckett’s dismissal left England at 22 for 1, handing India early momentum with the ball.
This is Siraj’s second demerit point within a two-year span. His previous one came during the Adelaide Test against Australia last year. Accumulating four or more demerit points within 24 months can lead to suspension, so Siraj will need to tread carefully in future matches.
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