- Head took the crucial wicket of Risabh Pant on the final day
- A strange celebration has led to an explosive reaction
- Head’s wife has suffered an avalanche of vile abuse
India’s anger over the dramatic defeat to Australia in the Boxing Day Test continues with hundreds of fans targeting Travis Head and his wife following the Australian star’s bizarre celebration.
The match seemed headed for a draw with India sitting at 3/121 when Head got Rishabh Pant to bowl a ball to Mitch Marsh in the outfield.
The wicket sparked a bizarre celebration, with the spinner pretending to dip his spinner into ice.
It didn’t take long for outraged fans to lash out at Head on social media.
Former international player and politician Navjot Singh Sidhu demanded that Head face sanctions for insulting the nation of India.
“Travis Head’s unpleasant behavior during the course of the Melbourne Test does not bode well for the gentleman’s game,” Sidhu wrote in X.
Furious fans have taken aim at Travis Head and his wife following the Australian star’s bizarre celebration during the Boxing Day test.
Head’s wife Jessica faced vile backlash on social media with her social media feeds flooded with nasty messages and pig emojis.
‘(This) sets the worst possible example when there are children, women, young people and the elderly watching the game.
‘This caustic behavior did not insult an individual but a nation of 1.5 billion Indians.
‘There is a need to impose a strict punishment on him that will serve as a deterrent to future generations so that no one dares to do the same!!!’
Since then, hundreds of comments have been directed at Head on social media, and even at his wife, Jessica.
Jessica, who gave birth to the couple’s second child last month, has seen her Instagram account bombarded with vile comments and pig emojis.
Pat Cummins’ wife Becky also received similar abuse from angry fans.
Cummins confirmed that Head’s celebration was a running joke in the team during his post-match press conference.
‘Ah! “I can explain that,” Cummins said with a laugh. His finger is so hot he has to put it in a glass of ice! That’s what it is.
Australian captain Pat Cummins has confirmed Head’s celebration was a harmless prank.
—That’s usually the usual joke. Was it Gabba or somewhere where he also got a wicket? He goes straight to the refrigerator, grabs an ice cube, sticks his finger in, and walks directly in front of Lyno. So. I think it’s very funny.
‘So that’s what it would have been… Nothing more!’
A social media photo posted after that match against Sri Lanka showed Head dipping his index finger into a glass filled with ice.
If Australia can lift the trophy in Sydney, it would be the first time since the 1997 Ashes that they have recovered from a 0-1 deficit to win a Test series.
It would mark a dramatic turnaround after India embarrassed them in Perth to kick off this successful five-Test battle.