- Travis Head’s celebration led to explosive backslash
- Head’s wife has copped a deluge of vile abuse
Travis Head has taken a humorous swipe at Indian cricket fans who misunderstood his MCG celebration and targeted his wife with vile attacks on social media.
The Aussie batter had lots to celebrate on Sunday afternoon after helping seal a 3-1 series victory over India with a six-wicket win at the SCG.
Head was one of Australia‘s best players, but was caught up in controversy during the Boxing Day Test when he performed a bizarre celebration after claiming the wicket of Rishabh Pant.
He simulated repeatedly dipping his right index into a glass full of ice, as if to cool it down – but many Indian fans thought he was making a rude, sexually charged gesture to insult their team.
Channel Seven commentator and Aussie skipper Pat Cummins explained that Head was harking back to his amazing spell taking 4-10 against Sri Lanka in 2022, after which he said he had to cool his finger down because he was on a hot streak with the ball.
It didn’t take long for them to lash out at Head on social media.
Furious fans targeted Travis Head and his wife following the Aussie star’s bizarre celebration during the Boxing Day Test (pictured)
Head referenced the incident in a cheeky Instagram post following Australia’s victory in Sydney to take the Border-Gavaskar Trophy
Former international player and politician Navjot Singh Sidhu demanded Head face sanctions for insulting the nation of India.
‘Travis Head’s obnoxious behaviour during the course of the Melbourne test doesn’t auger well for the gentleman’s game,’ Sidhu wrote on X.
‘(It) sets the worst possible example when there are kids, women, young and old watching the game.
‘This caustic conduct did not insult an individual but a nation of 1.5 billion Indians.
‘Stringent punishment that would serve a deterrent for the future generations needs to be slapped on him so that no one dares follow suit!!!’
Hundreds of comments later targeted Head on social media – and even Head’s wife, Jessica.
Jessica, who last month gave birth to the couple’s second child, had her Instagram account bombarded with vile comments and pig emojis.
On Sunday night after the win, Head reignited the controversy by posting a photo of his finger in a glass of beer alongside the caption ‘Ooppss’.
Following the match, Head told media that he was looking forward to a break with his family following the gruelling Test series.
Head’s wife Jessica (pictured together with the star) copped vile backlash on social media with her social media flooded with a nasty messages and pig emojis
‘It’s just nice to contribute,’ he said.
‘I don’t worry too much about what the result might be. I just realised we are into the World Test Championship.
‘I forgot about that in what has been a crazy three days. It’s been busy and I’m looking forward to 10 days off.’
