Tensions between Mohammed Siraj and Travis Head during the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy have also sparked rivalry among fans. Recently, a viral video showed an Indian fan being removed from the stadium after he displayed sandpaper.
Sandpaper Reference
The fan, wearing an India jersey, was instructed to leave after showing the sandpaper. This act referred to the infamous 2018 ball-tampering scandal when Australian players Steve Smith, David Warner, and Cameron Bancroft were banned for using sandpaper to alter the ball. Consequently, the Indian fan’s actions caused a mix of cheers and jeers from the Adelaide crowd.
Security Intervention
Shortly after, security guards intervened and escorted the fan out of the stands. Despite this, he continued to wave the sandpaper in the air. This incident, of course, directly referred to the 2018 scandal, which led to Smith and Warner being banned for 12 months, while Bancroft received a nine-month suspension.
On-Field Tensions
The fan’s ejection came on the heels of a heated exchange between Siraj and Head in the second Test. As a result, both players received one demerit point from the International Cricket Council (ICC). Additionally, Siraj was fined 20% of his match fees.
Future Predictions
As the series is tied at 1-1, former cricketer Harbhajan Singh predicted that tensions would likely escalate again in the upcoming matches. He said, “What I feel personally is, the things will definitely get heated from the next Test match again, but whatever incident happened here, should be left here in Adelaide.”
The third Test will begin in Brisbane on December 14.