A new controversy sparked on the fourth day of the unofficial test between India A and Australia A at the Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay, when two on-field umpires decide to replace the ball due to tampering claims when the Australian A cricketing team was batting.
Discussions involving India A players with umpire Shawn Craig were seen earlier as play was about to start on Sunday, with Australia A needing 86 runs for victory.
India A Accused Of Ball-Tampering
“When you scratch it, we change the ball. No more discussion, let’s play,” Craig was overheard saying on the stump microphone.
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“No more discussion; let’s play. This is not a discussion.” said Craig when Indian players tried to argue
Whether they were going to continue the match with the newly received ball, the umpire agreed and said, “You are playing with that ball.”
Ishan Kishan Calls Umpires Move As ‘Really Stupid”
Ishan Kishan, who did not play for India from November 2023 is now being admonished for dissent over calling umpire’s decision as “really stupid“. This is the first return of Ishan Kishan to the national limelight after one year into his absence.
Although Kishan has been warned over his comments, it remains to be seen who the umpires suspect of tampering with the ball. Craig, an ex-Victoria player, has officiated more than 50 First-Class matches and is an international umpire since 2019.
What Does The Code Of Conduct State?
Cricket Australia code of conduct is going to suspend players of India A if it was found to have tampered with the condition of the ball. Australia A successfully chased the target of 224 set by India A for them when Nathan McSweeney scored an unbeaten 88 runs from 178 balls as captain of the side.
“Any action(s) likely to alter the condition of the ball which are not specifically permitted under Law 41.3.2 may be regarded as unfair,” according to the code of conduct
Earlier, India A had built a total of 312 runs in their second innings after letting the hosts a lead of 85 runs in the first innings. Sai Sudharsan was in good form once again, hitting his second successive First-Class century with a score of 103, while Devdutt Padikkal scored 88 before the tail of the Indian A’s innings folded. The two teams will clash again in the second unofficial Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on November 7.
