The recent first unofficial Test match between India A and Australia A in Mackay saw a dramatic incident involving Indian wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan and on-field umpire Shawn Craig.

Heated argument between Ishan Kishan and Shawn Craig

The exchange took place on the final day of play when umpire Craig ordered a ball change, citing “deterioration,” which sparked an intense disagreement with Kishan. The d??ecision, according to Craig, stemmed from what he perceived as tampering by ??the Indian players, prompting a strong reaction from Kishan.

As the game resumed, Craig addressed the Indian players, informing them that the ball would be replaced due to apparent damage. Kishan, visibly frustrated, questioned the decision, calling it “a very stupid decision.” Craig responded firmly, warning Kishan that his behavior would be reported for dissent, and insisted that the team continue play without further discussion. The heated exchange quickly ca?ught the attention of cricket experts and fans alike, sparking a wider conversation about umpiring standards and behaviour on the field.

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Following the incident, Cricket Australia (CA) issued a statement, clarifying that there was no concrete evidence of ball tampering by the Indian team. CA’s statement noted that while the ball was indeed damaged, there was no indication of any intentional misconduct by India A. This clarification sought to quell any suspicions surrounding the ball’s condition, though the interaction between Kishan and Craig remained a focal point in post-match analysis.

Candice Warner shares her view on the ball tampering row

Speaking to Fox Cricket, Candice Warner, wife of former Australian cricketer David Warner, shared her thoughts on the controversy. She opined that the incident reflects India’s substantial influence within the cricketing world. Candice also noted that many umpires, eager for the lucrative opportunity to officiate in the Indian Premier League (IPL), might act in ways that align with India’s power in the sport.

“It just goes to show the power of India and how strong they are. A lot of these umpires want to be part of the IPL,” said Mrs Warner, indi??cating that the ambitions of some officials could shape their decisions on the field.

As India A ultimately fell?? short, with Australia A clinching victory by seven wickets, the focus shifted from the result to the larger conversation about the power dynamics in cricket.

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Ahead of India’s tour of Australia 2024-25, former Australian opener David Warner has voiced concerns over Cricket Australia (CA)‘s quick dismissal of a recent ball-tampering incident involving India A. Warner suggested that the cricket board should issue an official statement clarifying the events that occurred on the final day of the first practice match between Australia A and India A.

Ball-tampering incident casts shadow over tour match

The controversy erupted on the final day of the Australia A versus India A match in Mackay, where a commanding seven-wicket victory by Australia A was overshadowed by a dispute over a ball change. Umpire Shawn Craig noticed visible scratch marks on the ball and decided to replace it, attributing the damage to actions taken by India A players. This decision sparked immediate tension on the field, with players and officials caught in a heated exchange over the fairness of the? call. The decision was enforced without further debate, and the match continued, but the incident had already begun to dominate discussions.

Ishan Kishan, the wicketkeeper for India A, voiced his frustration at the decision, calling it a “very stupid decision.” His comments were captured on the stump microphone, which added to the intensity of the situation. In response, umpire Craig sternly warned Kishan about the consequences of dissent, telling him he would be reported for his actions. Craig emphasized that the ball change had occurred due to Kishan’s behavior, further escalating the tension between the two parties. This confrontation led to broader scrutiny, with many questioning whether the ball-change decision was justified or if it was handled appropriately by the umpires.

David Warner questions Cricket Australia’s take on ball-tampering incident

Reacting to the incident, Warner has now expressed concern over Australian cricket board’s rapid handling of the ball-tampering controversy. He speculated that CA may have moved quickly to downplay the situation due to India’s upcoming tour of Australia, seeking to avoid any further complications before the series. Warner emphasized that if the umpires had in??deed observed something wrong, the incident warranted a proper investigation and follow-up. He called for the umpires or match referee to publicly address the issue and provide clarity on the matter.

“I think the ultimate decision’s with CA, isn’t it?. I think they’ve obviously squashed it as fast as they could, given that India’s coming out here this summer. But if the umpires deem that something happened, then I’m sure there’ll be a follow-up and I think the umpires or the match referee should be standing here answering those questions,” said Warner as quoted by the ?Sydney Morning Herald.

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Warner calls for accountability from match referee and umpires

Warner went on to suggest that the match referee should take responsibility for addressing the umpires’ actions, particularly if they stood by their decision to change the ball. He argued that CA should release a formal statement supporting the umpiresâ€?decisions if they believe the action was justified. By doing so, Warner felt that CA would not only clear the air but also show confidence in their officials, providing transparency and maintaining the integrity of the game.

“I think the match referee should be coming out and addressing his own staff, who are the umpires, and if they’re sticking by the umpire’s decisions, then you’ve got to stand up for that. I think that’s obviously a statement that CA probably need to release,” Warner added.

Also READ: KL Rahul, Dhruv Jurel added to India A squad for s??econd unofficial Test against Australia A

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Controversy erupted on the fourth day of the India A versus Australia A match in Mackay, as allegations of ball tampering surfaced, leading to a heated exchange between Indian wicketkeeper Ishan Kishan and umpire Shawn Craig.

“That’s a very stupid decision”: Ishan Kishan

As play resumed on Sunday morning (November 3), umpire Craig informed the Indian team that the match ball had been changed due to visible scratches, which he attributed to tampering by the Indian players. Caught on the stump microphone, Craig was heard stating, “You scratch it, we change the ball. No more discussion, let’s play.” ?This declaration sparked immediate discontent among the Indian players.

Ishan voiced his frustration by calling the decision “stupid,” which prompted Craig to respond sternly, warning the Indian wicket-keeper that he would be reported for dissent. “Excuse me. You’ll be on report for that very inappropriate behaviour,” Craig said, emphasizing that the ball change was a direct result of the team’s actions.

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Implications of the alleged ball-tampering

The incident has raised significant concerns regarding player conduct and potential disciplinary actions. If it is determined that India A players deliberately altered the ball’s condition, they could face sanctions under Cricket Australia’s code of conduct. Notably, Australia A was not awarded a five-run penalty typically associated with unfair ball changes, as per cricket laws.

Ishan’s comments and the ensuing confrontation with Craig have put him in a precarious position, especially since he is not part of the squad for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia starting on November 22. The match concluded with Australia A winning by seven wickets, bolstered by Nathan McSweeney and Beau Webster’s half-centuries. McSweeney played a gritty knock of 88 not out, while Webster remained unbeaten on 61.  The duo stitched an unbroken partnership of 141 runs for the fourth wicket in Australia A’s second innings.

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