New Delhi: India A were given a clean chit after a probe into ball-tampering allegations levelled on day four of the first unofficial Test against Australia A in Mackay found them not guilty. Besides India A, wicketkeeper batter Ishan Kishan was also cleared of dissent charges following a verbal confrontation between wicketkeeper Ishan Kishan and umpire Shawn Craig
The start of Day 4 on Sunday at Great Barrier Reef Arena was delayed as the Indian team argued with the umpire after the match ball had been changed overnight due to scratch marks.
“No more discussion, let’s play,” Craig was overheard saying on the stump mic.
“You scratch it, we change the ball.
“This is not a discussion.”
However, Kishan termed the decision of Craig as “really stupid”.
Wow is this the most amount of drama ever witnessed in a game of cricket in Mackay? Ball tampering allegations, players called out for inappropriate behaviour all while Nathan McSweeney strengthens his claim for the Test opening slot #AusAvIndA
— Bharat Sundaresan (@beastieboy07) November 3, 2024
Kishan escapes punishment
Craig’s comments sparked speculations about ball-tampering allegations, but Cricket Australia clarified that the ball was changed due to deterioration, under Law 41.3.4.
CA confirmed the development via a statement.
JUST IN: CA release statement after ball drama in ‘A’ Series match #AUSAvINDA https://t.co/wks4vpK4mV
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) November 3, 2024
Australia A captain Nathan McSweeney, who was at the crease when the incident happened said that he was unaware of the details.
India A conceded an 85-run first-inning lead to the hosts after being bundled out for 107. The visitors put up a much-improved display in the second essay, scoring 312 with Sai Sudharsan scoring his second consecutive First-Class century. Devdutt Padikkal also made a useful contribution of 88 runs but a lower-order collapse saw India A’s innings ending at 312 runs.
In reply, Australia A skipper Nathan McSweeney led from the front with an unbeaten 88 off 178 balls as the home side cruised to the 224-run target with seven wickets to spare.
India A and Australia A are scheduled to play the second unofficial Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on November 7.
