IND vs ENG: Mohammed Siraj Punished Ahead Of Day 5 Of Lord's Test — Here's Why

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Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj has found himself in hot water after an overzealous celebration led to disciplinary action on the fourth day of the third Test between India and England at Lord's.

The fiery fast bowler was fined 15 percent of his match fee and also received a demerit point for violating the ICC Code of Conduct.

The incident in question unfolded during the sixth over of England's second innings on Sunday. Siraj dismissed English opener Ben Duckett and followed it up with what the ICC termed "excessive celebration at close proximity to the dismissed batter," potentially provoking a reaction from Duckett. This act was deemed a Level 1 offence under Article 2.5 of the ICC Code, which relates to conduct that can incite an aggressive response from a batter after dismissal.

According to the ICC, Siraj's celebration crossed the line of acceptable on-field conduct. The governing body noted that the action fell under "excessive celebration at close proximity to the dismissed batter," which may lead to confrontations and disrupt the spirit of the game.

This is the second demerit point Siraj has received within a 24-month window. His previous offence occurred during the first Test of India's tour of Australia in Adelaide on December 7, 2024.

With two demerit points now on record, Siraj edges closer to the suspension threshold - any player who accumulates four or more demerit points in a two-year span becomes liable for suspension from international matches.

Siraj acknowledged his mistake and accepted the penalty proposed by match referee Richie Richardson, negating the need for a formal hearing. The charge was officially levelled by the on-field umpires Paul Reiffel and Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid, third umpire Ahsan Raza, and fourth umpire Graham Lloyd.

As India prepare for a tense fifth day at Lord's, Siraj's conduct serves as a reminder that passion on the field must be balanced with professionalism and adherence to the game's spirit.