Mohammed Siraj's ICC ban documented post Ben Duckett shoulder barge

Legendary Alastair Cook slammed Mohammed Siraj for his celebration during Day 4 of the third Test between India and England at Lord’s. Cook described Siraj’s animated celebration following Ben Duckett's dismissal as unacceptable, adding that the bowler crossed the line by shouting in the batter’s face.

India and England players engaged in a heated exchange during the final over of Day 3. Mohammed Siraj charged toward Ben Duckett after dismissing him on the following day. Siraj roared in his face and made brief shoulder contact as the batter walked off. The umpire had to intervene and warn Siraj.

You Shouldn’t Shout in Someone’s Face Like That - Alastair Cook Slams Mohammed Siraj

Speaking on BBC Test Match Special, Alastair Cook said that Ben Duckett may have provoked the moment by walking into Mohammed Siraj’s path. However, Cook added that there was no need for Mohammed Siraj to get so close and shout in the batter’s face.

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“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,” Cook said on the BBC Test Match Special.

"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,” he added.

They Are Playing for Their Country - Alastair Cook Defends On-Field Drama

Alastair Cook stated that he had no issues with the incident involving Shubman Gill and England openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett on Day 3. Gill was frustrated over Crawley allegedly wasting time to limit India to just one over before stumps.

Cook added that fans who pay to watch the game expect passion and emotion, especially when players are representing their countries.

“I loved it last night. I read a guy say it’s not good for the kids under 12 years of age or whatever – he was part of some coaching set-up as well," Cook continued.

"So I understand from that point of view. But if I have paid money to come watch it, I really want to see that. Because I know what it really means to some of the players. They are playing for their country," he added.

Washington Sundar Shines with the Ball in England’s Second Innings

India bowled out England for just 192 in their second innings. Washington Sundar was the standout performer for India with 4 wickets for 22 runs. He removed key batters Joe Root, Jamie Smith, and captain Ben Stokes. Mohammed Siraj picked two wickets with the ball.

India were asked to chase down a target of 193 to take a 2-1 lead in the five-match series. However, the chase didn’t begin well for the visitors. India ended the day at 58 for 4 by stumps, still needing 135 runs to win.

Yashasvi Jaiswal was dismissed for a duck off Jofra Archer in the second over. Karun Nair and captain Shubman Gill were both trapped lbw by Brydon Carse, while nightwatchman Akash Deep was bowled by Ben Stokes in the final over of the day.

Also read: India vs England Weather Report Day 5 Lord's Test 2025