Mohammed Siraj Fined for Aggressive Send-Off to Ben Duckett in Lord’s Test, India Face Tight Chase
Indian Fast bowler Mohammed Siraj loses 15% match fee and earns demerit point for breaching ICC Code; India need 135 runs on Day 5 with 6 wickets in hand.
Kevin Varchand 
Lord’s (England) July 14: India fast bowler Mohammed Siraj was fined by the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Monday for his aggressive celebration after dismissing England opener Ben Duckett during Day 4 of the third Test at Lord’s. The ICC also added one demerit point to his disciplinary record.
What Happened?
The incident took place in the sixth over of England’s second innings on Sunday. Siraj got Duckett out for 12 runs with a back-of-length delivery that Duckett tried to hit down the ground but ended up hitting it to Jasprit Bumrah at mid-on.
After the wicket, Siraj celebrated aggressively, coming close to Duckett and even making contact with him as the batter walked back toward the dressing room. The action was seen as a violation of the ICC Code of Conduct – Article 2.5, which refers to actions or gestures that can provoke or insult a batter after dismissal.
What Are the Consequences?
Siraj has been fined 15% of his match fee.
He has received one demerit point.
According to ICC rules, four or more demerit points in a 24-month period can lead to a match ban. So far, Siraj is still clear to play.
India’s Dicey Chase at Lord’s
India need 193 runs to win the match and currently stand at 58/4 at stumps on Day 4. They need 135 more runs on Day 5 with 6 wickets in hand.
India’s innings started poorly when Yashasvi Jaiswal was dismissed for a duck by Jofra Archer. KL Rahul and Karun Nair tried to build a partnership but Nair got out early.
Captain Shubman Gill was also dismissed quickly, falling LBW to Brydon Carse. As the day came to a close, Akash Deep, sent in as a nightwatchman, was removed by Ben Stokes, making it a tough end to the day for India.
England’s Innings Recap
Earlier in the day, Joe Root and Ben Stokes added 67 runs, but Washington Sundar turned things around with a brilliant spell. He took 4 wickets for 22 runs, including Root, Jamie Smith, and Shoaib Bashir, helping India bowl England out for 192.
Thrilling Finish on Day 5
The final day at Lord’s promises high drama, with India aiming to take a 2-1 lead in the series. With only 135 runs needed and six wickets left, it’s still anyone’s game. However, Siraj’s fine is a reminder that emotions must be controlled, even in high-pressure situations.
