"They can do whatever they want" - Pat Cummins unfussed over altercation between Siraj and Head during 2024-25 BGT 2nd Test 

Australia captain Pat Cummins has downplayed the incident between Travis Head and Mohammed Siraj that transpired during the second Border-Gavaskar series Test at the Adelaide Oval. The pair were involved in a major altercation after SIraj castled Head following the latter's imperious ton on Day 2 of the contest.

Speaking during the press conference after the day's play, Travis Head had expressed disappointment in the manner with which Siraj conducted himself during the aggressive send-off. The Indian pacer, on the other hand, accused his counterpart of lying, claiming that he was provoked and forced to respond to the abuse that was thrown in his direction.

While both parties called a truce in the form of a cordial embrace after the match ended on Day 3, both captains were coerced into offering their opinions regarding the matter.

Indian skipper Rohit Sharma had remarked that the team backs Siraj's aggression and that his theatrics are acceptable as long as they do not cross a line. Meanwhile, Cummins issued a blunt response, highlighting that he was satisfied with how the team members conducted themselves.

"To be honest, they can do whatever they want. I’m more worried about our boys and like always, I thought our boys’ behaviour was excellent this week, like it seems to be every week. So I’m happy with them. I was out there. It’s heated, it’s a big series, it’s been packed crowds all the days, so there’s a lot riding on it. I think the umpires stepped in pretty quickly and that was the end of it," Cummins said during the post-match press conference (via Fox Sports).

Australia recorded a comprehensive 10-wicket win at the Adelaide Oval to level the series 1-1. Travis Head was adjudged player of the match at his home venue for his stunning century.

"Travis Head is vice-captain of the team. He's a big boy, he can talk for himself" - Pat Cummins

Mohammed Siraj was involved in a minor incident with Marnus Labuschagne as well, where he threw the ball at the batter who backed out at the last minute due to a disturbance behind the sight screen.

Prior to dismissing Head, the right-rm pacer was hit for a couple of boundaries, which built up the frustration, resulting in the send-off.

"As a general rule, you let the boys be themselves. If you need to step in and intervene then as captain I would, but for our group I never really feel like I've had to do that. Travis Head is vice-captain of the team. He's a big boy, he can talk for himself," Cummins added (via LiveMint).

The third Test of the Border-Gavaskar series is scheduled to begin on Saturday, December 14 at The Gabba in Brisbane.