India Faces Ball Tampering Allegations After Defeat Against Australia (image-twitter/BCCI)
India A’s cricket match against Australia A at the Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackey began on a controversial note. Ahead of the match, the ball was changed by the umpire, however, the Indian players did not seem like they were pleased with the decision after being told that the change was made as the ball was tampered with.
“When you scratch it, we change the ball. No more discussion, let’s play,” the umpire was heard telling through the stump microphone conversations picked up by the broadcasters.
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The decision led to a heated discussion between the players and the officials expressing his discontent.
Wicket-keeper Ishan Kishan questioned the umpire’s decision, he was told that the dissent would be reported. However, now the Cricket Association has issued a clarification on the topic.
In the statement released, the Cricket Australia has claimed that the ball has to be changed “due to deterioration”, while both the managers and the captains were informed of the decision before the start of the day’s play.
However, the Indian players seems unaware of the change in the ball, with the decision prompting a discussion between them and the umpire Shawn Craig.
When Ishan had called the decision to be ‘very stupid decision’, he was informed that the comment will be reported. As of now, its is learnt that no action will be taken against Ishan or any other players. It is to be noted that the umpire has accused the Indian players of ‘scratching’ the ball, leading to deterioration. However, no 5-run penalty was imposed on the visitors for their alleged action.
“When you scratch it, we change the ball. No more discussion, let’s play,” Craig could be heard saying on the stump mic.
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As for the match, Queensland ended after just 22 overs in the final day’s play with skipped Nathan McSweeney’s unbeaten 88 anchoring the team to a facile seven-wicket win.
The second four day game is scheduled between November 7 and 10 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne.
