Cricket Australia (CA) have cleared India A of ball-tampering allegations during their first-class fixture against Australia A in Mackay on Wednesday (November 3). Moreover, keeper-batter Ishan Kishan will not be charged with a dissent after an on-field argument with umpire Shawn Craig.
It all happened ahead of the start of the play on Sunday. Umpire Craig informed the Indian players that the ball has been changed as it was allegedly scratched, which rose to the rumors of the visitors engaged in ball-tampering.
“When you scratch it, we change the ball. No more discussion, let’s play,” Craig was overheard saying on the stump microphone.
The move by the umpire led to Kishan engaging in a heated chat with Craig. Here’s what he said:
“So we are going to play with this ball…that’s a very stupid decision.”
In response, Craig said:
“Excuse me, you’ll be on report for dissent. That’s inappropriate behaviour. Because of your actions we changed the ball.”
As per the CA regulations, the umpires can change the ball, without awarding a five-run penalty, when there are doubts over the cause of damage to the ball. CA playing condition 41.3.4 reads as:
“If the umpires together suspect, but are not certain, that the condition of the ball has been unfairly changed, or that its condition is inconsistent with the use it has received, the umpires may: Change the ball forthwith. The umpires shall choose a replacement ball for one of similar wear and of the same brand as the ball in use prior to the contravention; Bowler’s end umpire shall issue the captain with a first and final warning.”
Hours after the completion of the game, CA clarified on the matter. They confirmed the ball was not tampered, and instead its condition deteriorated. After it was proved that India were not involved in altering the ball, they were freed of all allegations.
“The ball used in the fourth innings of the match was changed due to deterioration,” a CA spokesperson said. “Both teams’ captain and manager were informed of the decision prior to the start of play. No further action is being taken.”
Australia A decisively beat India A in 1st unofficial Test
The India A side batted first in the contest and were bundled out for a meager total of 107. Brendan Doggett induced edges of visitors by bowling in areas of uncertainity and picked six wickets for Australia A. Devdutt Padikkal top-scored for India with a knock of 36.
In response, the hosts got off to a bad start, but got support from the middle-order, as they posted 195. Mukesh Kumar was the pick of the bowlers for India with six scalps. Then, India compiled a healthy total of 312, on the back of impressive knocks from Sai Sudharsan (103) and Padikkal (36).
Australia A easily won the game by seven wickets as they chased down the target of 225, with unbeaten knocks from skipper Nathan McSweeney (88*) and Beau Webster (61*). Both sides will meet in the second and final fixture on November 7.
