India faced a crushing defeat to Australia by 184 runs in the Boxing Day Test at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Monday, December 30, but the real buzz was about the bizarre celebration of Travis Head after dismissing Rishabh Pant in Brisbane.
Rishabh Pant, known for his fearless stroke play, fell to a half-tracker from Travis Head, sending a catch straight to Mitchell Marsh at deep mid-wicket. Marsh’s athletic grab set the stage for one of the most unusual yet objectionable moments in cricket history.
Travis Head’s vulgar celebration overshadows Australia’s victory at the MCG
As the Australian all-rounder claimed the prized wicket, Travis Head broke into a celebration that stunned the cricket world and raised many eyebrows. Head’s vulgar gesture—forming a hole with his left hand and repeatedly inserting his right index finger into it—didn’t go down well with Indians.
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The controversial gesture received harsh criticism from Indian fans and former Indian cricketers. However, the Australian skipper Pat Cummins decoded the meaning behind the unexpected display.
Cummins said at the post-match press conference, “It’s so hot, he’s got to put it in a cup of ice. Yeah, that’s what it is. So that’s normally the running joke.”
Navjot Singh Sidhu demands action against Travis Head’s ‘obnoxious’ gesture During Boxing Day Test
Meanwhile, former Indian cricketer and politician Navjot Singh Sidhu didn’t hold back as he slammed Travis Head’s unusual celebration during the Boxing Day Test against India at the MCG. Sidhu was clearly furious, labeling the gesture “obnoxious” and the “worst possible example” of sportsmanship.
Taking things a step further, the popular television personality and commentator voiced his outrage by saying it was a direct insult to 1.5 billion Indians. Sidhu also demanded strict action to ensure such antics never find a place on the cricket field again, adding fuel to the ongoing debate.
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Navjot Singh Sidhu posted on X: “Travis Head’s obnoxious behavior during the course of the Melbourne test doesn’t augur well for the gentleman’s game… it sets the worst possible example when there are kids, women, young & old watching the game… this caustic conduct did not insult an individual but a nation of 1.5 billion Indians… stringent punishment that would serve a deterrent for the future generations needs to be slapped on him so that no one dares follow suit.”
Travis head’s obnoxious behaviour during the course of the Melbourne test doesn’t auger well for for the gentleman’s game…… sets the worst possible example when there are kids, women , young & old watching the game……. this caustic conduct did not insult an individual but a…
— Navjot Singh Sidhu (@sherryontopp) December 30, 2024
Notably, Australia clinched the Boxing Day Test with a commanding 184-run victory, heading into the New Year Test in Sydney with a 2-1 lead in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25.
India now faces a must-win situation in the fifth and final Test to level the ongoing five-match Test series against Australia and retain the coveted Border-Gavaskar Trophy for the record third time.
