In a stunning development that is set to create an explosive start to the men’s international summer of cricket, India’s A team have been accused of tampering with the ball in their match against Australia A.
With play resuming on day four in Mackay on Sunday, India’s players were told by umpire Shawn Craig the ball had been changed as it had been tampered with overnight.
“When you scratch it, we change the ball. No more discussion, let’s play,” Craig could be heard saying on the stump microphone.
When India’s wicketkeeper Ishan Kishan told Craig it was a “stupid decision”, the umpire placed him on report.
“You will be on report for dissent, that is very inappropriate behaviour,” Craig replied.
“Because of your actions, we changed the ball.”
Craig did not specify how he believed India had scratched the ball, and the tourists were not handed a five-run penalty.
Kishan is not part of India’s Test squad for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which begins in Perth on November 22.
Fast bowler Prasidh Krishna, allrounder Nitish Kumar and batsman Abhimanyu Easwaran are the only players in the India A side that form part of the Test squad.
There is no indication at this stage of who umpires believe was responsible for the alleged tampering.
The event came at a critical moment in the Test match, however, Australia continued their form overnight to pass India’s total three wickets down, with Nathan McSweeney passing the half-century mark in his push for a Test spot.
Umpire Shawn Craig speaks to India A on the state of the ball. (Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images)
The 25-year-old went on to finish with 88 not out, with his batting partner Beau Webster also crossing the half-century mark to finish 61 not out.
The seven-wicket victory ends a chaotic test match, with both sides struggling with the bat in the first innings on a tough deck in Mackay – however, it has likely put McSweeney in the box seat to earn a Test spot, with Sam Konstas and Cameron Bancroft again falling cheaply.
Judging by the end of the match though – this fixture is likely set to be remembered long after it’s conclusion, and with the main Indian Test side set to arrive in Australia, could set the stage for a hostile summer.
with AAP