Michael Clarke and Stuart Clarke were prominent figures in Ricky Ponting’s formidable Australian team. The duo played 66 matches together for Australia, sharing the memorable experience of winning the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India in the 2007-08 season.
Now, 16 years later, with another Border-Gavaskar Trophy underway, the “two Clarkes” are back in the spotlight. Both Michael and Stuart Clarke have called on the ICC to penalize Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj for his on-field behavior, expressing surprise that no fine has been imposed on him yet.
Some might assume their frustration stems from Siraj’s gesture towards Travis Head after bowling him during the pink-ball Test in Adelaide, where Siraj pointed him towards the dressing room. However, that’s not the case. The Clarkes’ demand for punishment arises from Siraj’s habit of appealing for LBWs without turning to face the umpire. This behavior has been nicknamed “celebrappeals” by the broadcaster 7 Network — a combination of celebration and appeal.
Lately, Siraj has developed a pattern of celebrating and appealing simultaneously whenever the ball strikes the batsman’s pad, often running off as if convinced of the batsman’s dismissal, without even glancing at the umpire. This behavior has been evident throughout the first two Tests of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar series.
In Perth, Siraj appealed in this manner against Travis Head, but the umpire turned down the appeal. India’s subsequent review revealed that the umpire’s decision was correct. Similarly, Siraj repeated this against Marnus Labuschagne in Adelaide. Although India refrained from reviewing this time, replays showed the ball had brushed Labuschagne’s bat before hitting his pad.
It was 7 Network journalist and commentator Alistair Nicholson who first pointed out Siraj’s conduct during a broadcast. Nicholson remarked, “Siraj is showing the umpire minimal respect while appealing.” Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting added, “This kind of behavior can genuinely frustrate the umpires. If you’re appealing to them, you need to at least look at them.”
Michael Clarke, speaking on Sky Sports’ Big Sports Breakfast, reiterated his concerns about Siraj’s disrespectful behavior, calling for fines. He said, “Siraj should be penalized for appealing without even looking at the umpire. He runs off, assuming the batsman is out, which is shocking. I’m surprised the ICC hasn’t fined him yet. Back when I played, such behavior would result in immediate penalties.”
Clarke even cited an example involving Brett Lee, noting that Lee was once warned about appealing without turning towards the umpire. “I’m more concerned about Siraj than I ever was about Brett Lee or Travis Head. Siraj’s behavior in the first Test alone was alarming. You can appeal, but you must show respect by facing the umpire,” Clarke added.
Stuart Clarke agreed with his former teammate, voicing his opinions on the same show. “What Siraj did was worse than what happened with Travis Head. It’s been discussed repeatedly — you simply cannot do this. Umpires have made it clear, and the rules state that you must look at and respect the umpire. It wasn’t a good look. He just kept running and claiming the dismissal, only for replays to show the ball hit the bat before the pad.”
Stuart Clarke also emphasized, “If I were the match referee or in charge, I’d call Siraj and tell him, ‘You need to stop this. It’s inappropriate and looks like an attempt to pressure the umpire unfairly.’”
Whether the Clarkes’ call for a fine materializes or not, Siraj might still face disciplinary action from the ICC for his gesture towards Travis Head. According to 7 Network, there’s also a possibility of Head being penalized for saying something to Siraj after being dismissed.
