London, July 14 — India pacer Mohammed Siraj has been fined 15% of his match fee and handed one demerit point by the International Cricket Council (ICC) following a fiery send-off to England opener Ben Duckett during the fourth day of the third Test at Lord’s.
The incident occurred on Sunday when Siraj dismissed Duckett for 12 runs in England’s second innings. In his follow-through, Siraj celebrated aggressively in close proximity to the batter and made physical contact as Duckett began his walk back to the pavilion. The ICC deemed the act a breach of Article 2.5 of its Code of Conduct, which prohibits language, gestures, or actions that could provoke an aggressive reaction from a dismissed batter.
This marks Siraj’s second disciplinary offense within a 24-month period, bringing his total to two demerit points. Under ICC regulations, accumulating four or more demerit points within two years can lead to suspension.
Despite the penalty, Siraj played a pivotal role in India’s bowling attack, claiming four wickets in the match, including the dismissal of top-order batter Ollie Pope for four. England were bowled out for 192 in 62.1 overs, setting India a target of 193 runs. At stumps on Day 4, India stood at 58/4, needing 135 more runs to secure victory.
The send-off sparked debate among cricket circles, with former England pacer Stuart Broad criticizing the ICC’s decision as inconsistent. Broad pointed to other incidents during the match, including verbal exchanges involving India captain Shubman Gill, and called for uniformity in disciplinary actions.
The Lord’s Test has been marked by high tension and dramatic shifts, with 14 wickets falling on Day 4 alone. As both teams vie for a 2–1 lead in the five-match series, the spotlight remains firmly on player conduct and competitive intensity.
