Last Updated:
The first unofficial Test between India A and Australia A had a controversial moment when an on-field umpire changed the ball insinuating the visiting team had tampered with its condition.
Cricket Australia later issues a statement clarifying the reason why the ball was actually changed. (File Photo)
The first unofficial Test between India A and Australia A was marred by an alleged ball-tampering controversy. The incident came to light on Day 4 when umpire Shawn Craig reportedly changed the ball following a discussion with visiting captain Ishan Kishan.
No official footage of the event was available but according to a report by Sydney Morning Herald, Craig was heard on the stump mic telling Kishan, “You scratch it, we change the ball. No more discussion, let’s play.”
Other umpires in Australia hailed Craig for handling the situation strictly.
Former international umpire Tony McQuillan, however, feels Craig could have had the other on-field official with him while speaking to the India A skipper.
According to McQuillan, umpires should always be clear about the offense in this scenario as players involved in any wrongdoing will always try to cover things up.
“More power to Shawn for not ignoring their actions. But it is important that officials’ actions and language do not further provoke or inflame. It is fine being official but you don’t want to be officious. I felt Shawn should have had the other umpire with him if it was official,” McQuillan, who has officiated 14 ODIs and one Test told The Daily Telegraph.
“Ball tampering accusations can be a nightmare for umpires because players obviously try to hide what they are doing. Unless you have television footage (in this case there wasn’t any) it becomes a matter of one man’s word against another,” he added.
Ishan was not happy with the umpire’s call to use a new ball. When he termed it a “stupid decision” Craig warned, “Excuse me, you’ll be on report for dissent. That’s inappropriate behaviour. Because of your actions we changed the ball.”
Cricket Australia has cleared India A of any ball-tampering offence. The governing body, however, revealed in a statement that the ball was changed “due to deterioration”.
Both the teams were informed about the same before the start of play on Day 4.
The contest was played under the Cricket Australia laws which recognises ball tampering as a level-three offence. Players found guilty of it may face a ban.
Australia A successfully chased down a 225-run target in the fourth innings to win the first unofficial Test by seven wickets. This series will be followed by the high-profile Border Gavaskar Trophy, scheduled to start later this month.
