During the fourth Test between India and England at Old Trafford, Manchester, things took an unfortunate turn when Indian fast bowler Mohammed Siraj was subjected to an offensive chant from a section of the English crowd while fielding near the boundary rope.
As Siraj positioned himself on the boundary line, a group of spectators began loudly singing a mocking chant that went, “He bowls to the left, he bowls to the right, Mohammed Siraj is always sh*te.”
The chant, a twist on a traditional English football-style taunt, was clearly aimed at ridiculing Siraj’s bowling. It echoed around the stands and was caught on cameras and microphones, sparking swift debate on social media over fan behavior and sportsmanship.
Siraj, who has been a passionate and energetic presence on the field for India, appeared to remain focused and unfazed, choosing not to react visibly to the insult. The Indian team, known for its professionalism in hostile overseas environments, carried on without incident. However, the moment raised questions about respect in sport and crowd conduct at international matches.
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Siraj has been a key contributor to India’s bowling unit during the series, known for his aggression, pace, and wicket-taking ability. While he has had both strong and challenging spells, targeting individual players with offensive chants undermines the spirit of the game.
IND Vs ENG, 4th Test: Bizarre Scenes As Joe Root Accidentally Dislodges Mohammed Siraj's Fitness Band During Mid-Pitch Collision; Video
Day 3 of the fourth Test between India and England at Old Trafford witnessed a strange and unexpected moment involving Joe Root and Mohammed Siraj. During the 52nd over of England’s first innings, Root charged down the pitch to play a delivery that stayed low and struck him on the pads. The ball deflected towards fine leg, resulting in four leg byes.
India reviewed the on-field decision hoping for an LBW dismissal, but replays showed the ball had pitched outside leg stump and would have missed the stumps entirely. The not out decision stood, and India lost a crucial review, leaving them with just one remaining.
As the sequence unfolded, Joe Root, in his effort to take a run, collided slightly with Mohammed Siraj, unintentionally knocking off the pacer’s fitness band. While the incident had no bearing on the play itself, it caught the attention of both players and fans for its unusual nature.
Though light-hearted, the moment added to the drama of a closely contested Test match, with tensions already high after Siraj’s earlier exchanges with English batters.
