Cricket Australia denies allegations of ball-tampering against India A! ISHAN KISHAN received this warning

Cricket Australia India A Ball Tampering ISHAN KISHAN WARNED: The final day of the unofficial Test match between India A and Australia A in Mackay on November 3, 2024 was full of drama, which mainly revolved around allegations of ball tampering. The tension was clearly visible as play resumed at the Great Barrier Reef Arena. When the umpires decided to replace the red cherry ball that had been used overnight. In fact, contrary to media reports, Cricket Australia confirmed that there was no incident of ball tampering on the fourth day of the first unofficial Test between India A and Australia A in Mackay.

Cricket Australia India A Ball Tampering ISHAN KISHAN WARNED

Before the start of the last day's play in the match, there was a discussion between umpire Ben Treloar, Shaun Craig and several India A players regarding the decision to change the ball. The players were clearly frustrated, which led to heated exchanges with each other. As the situation developed, a report on Cricket Australia's website clarified that no specific allegations of ball tampering had been made against India A players. Umpire Craig did not elaborate on what prompted the ball to be changed or what he believed happened to the original ball, according to the report. However, a Cricket Australia statement later confirmed that the ball had been replaced “due to damage”.

Let us tell you that wicketkeeper-batsman Ishan Kishan was particularly vocal during this conversation, he reportedly described the decision as “very stupid”. In response, umpire Craig warned Kishan, saying, “You will be on report for dissent; that is inappropriate behaviour.” In addition, umpires refrain from imposing the traditional five-run penalty, usually applied under Rule 41.3.4, if they feel that the condition of the ball has been inappropriately altered.

And the uncertainty over changing the ball added to the drama of the day as play finally began. Australia A needed 86 runs to win at 139/3 on the third day, but made quick work of it. Captain Nathan McSweeney was brilliant with an unbeaten 88, while Beau Webster contributed 61 runs. Together they gave Australia A an easy victory by seven wickets. In their second innings, India A scored 312 runs, which was much better than their first innings, where they were out for just 107 runs.

It is noteworthy that Sai Sudarshan's brilliant century and Devdutt Padikkal's 88 runs were important. But ultimately, they could not overcome the Australian batting lineup. Earlier in the match, Mukesh Kumar had performed brilliantly for India A, taking six wickets and restricting Australia A to 195 runs in their first innings. As both teams look ahead, the second unofficial Test between India A and Australia A is scheduled to begin on November 7 in Melbourne.