ENG vs IND 2025: Alastair Cook slams Mohammed Siraj for ‘unacceptable’ celebration after Ben Duckett’s dismissal

ENG vs IND 2025: Alastair Cook slams Mohammed Siraj for ‘unacceptable’ celebration after Ben Duckett’s dismissal (Source: Nick Potts/PA Images via Getty Images and JioHotstar)

Former English captain Alastair Cook felt Mohammed Siraj went overboard with his celebration after dismissing Ben Duckett in England’s second innings during the third Test of the ongoing five-match series between England and India. For the unversed, Siraj was pumped up after dismissing the left-handed batter and proceeded to celebrate in his face while also making contact with his shoulder.

Although Cook was all for celebrating a wicket passionately, he was strictly against any sort of physical contact between opposition players.

“, but who is to blame now? Whether Duckett walked right into him and knew exactly what he was doing. Then again, you shouldn’t shout in someone’s face like that. I wholeheartedly say that was wrong. There should be no physical contact. Yes, celebrate a wicket like you mean it,” shared Cook while speaking on BBC Test Match Special.

The legendary top-order batter felt that the concerned authorities needed to take action against Siraj for the unruly behaviour he demonstrated.

“But you’ve got him out; you don’t need to look him in the eye from three inches and shout in his face. So, I expect there to be repercussions, and there should be repercussions. That is my opinion. I thought that crossed the line,” added Cook.

However, when asked about his opinions on what went down between Shubman Gill and Zak Crawley, Cook did not seem to have much of an issue. He felt that moments such as those added the much-required spice to Test cricket and was all for it.

Speaking of where the match stands ahead of the commencement of Day 5, India require 135 runs to gain a lead in the high-octane series. They are four down though. Three of the four visitors’ wickets fell in the final half-an-hour of the fourth day’s proceedings. KL Rahul, who was India’s top-scorer in their first innings, stands unbeaten on 33 off 47.