Star India pacer fined for Code of Conduct Breach after Day 4 Lord's Test incident

The ongoing third Test between England and India at Lord’s has been a roller-coaster affair, with both sides giving it their all to seize control and take a 2-1 lead in the gripping five-match series. Emotions have run high throughout, and the intensity of the contest reached a new level on Day 4. Amid the drama, India’s ace pacer Mohammed Siraj was involved in a fiery moment that has now resulted in disciplinary action from the International Cricket Council (ICC), adding another twist to the already thrilling series.

Mohammed Siraj has been fined 15 per cent of his match fee for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct. The incident occurred on Day 4 after Siraj took the wicket of English opener Ben Duckett. In the follow-through of his bowling action, Siraj aggressively celebrated and ran close to Duckett, who had initially turned to walk back to the pavilion, which elicited a response from Duckett and caused Siraj to make contact. Siraj's actions came under Article 2.5 of the ICC Code of Conduct, which identifies using conduct or gestures that could provoke an aggressive reaction from a dismissed batter.

See Also: [WATCH] ENG vs IND 2025: Mohammed Siraj intense celebration on Ben Duckett's face after taking his wicket at Lord's

In addition to the financial sanction, Siraj now has one demerit point against him, bringing his total to two, this being a second offence in 24 months. According to the ICC, four or more demerit points in a two-year window will result in suspension points, which could lead to a player being banned. Siraj has the eligibility to play, but it is an important opportunity for players to use as a reminder to keep in check their high emotions. With the series at stake, both teams will use the raw emotion to fuel their performance rather than on-field altercations.

India will look to take a 2-1 lead against England

The high-paced test match at Lord’s has had drama and tension written all over it, and Day 5 will have the same themes. At 58/4, India have a few obstacles to overcome with 135 runs left to chase down, but with the way the pitch is tearing up and with the English bowlers being led by Mark Wood and a boisterous home crowd behind them, Day 5 is fascinatingly set up. Rishabh Pant will hope to join KL Rahul at the crease, who is currently in nasty conditions on an unbeaten 33.
Indian fans will remain in hope mode even though there is early pressure on the usual batting prospects.

With Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Washington Sundar not out in the Indian lineup, each of whom can accumulate important runs under pressure. The Indian middle and lower-order batter can hold on to just structural sanity. India will always have a good chance at chasing down the runs and putting themselves in a 2-1 lead in the five-match series before going to Old Trafford.