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On the second day of their second unofficial Test against Australia, the India A players seemed to have an issue with the condition of the ball.
Prasidh Krishna (center) has a chat with the on-field umpire regarding the ball condition. (Screengrab)
The first unofficial Test between India A and Australia A was marred by a ball-tampering controversy with an on-field umpire changing the ball before the start of play on Day 4. Indian players complained about the decision with the on-field umpire Shawn Craig who in turn accused them of scratching the ball.
“When you scratch it, we change the ball. No more discussion, let’s play,” Craig was heard saying on the stump mic.
India A’s Ishan Kishan was quick to call it as “stupid decision” but umpire Craig responded that he will report the wicketkeeper for “dissent”.
“You will be on report for dissent, that is very inappropriate behaviour. Because of your actions we changed the ball,” Craig replied.
India A Not Happy With Ball Condition
On the second day of the second unofficial Test between India A and Australia A being held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), fast bowler Prasidh Krishna seemed unhappy with the ball condition with the umpires being involved. While it wasn’t clear what exactly was the source of their frustration, the commentators opined that it could be ‘paint’ or some dye sprayed sort of green dye on the ball’.
The players kept cleaning the ball even as they informed the on-field umpire. They converged for a fleeting chat before the match resumed.
Warner Chimes In
Meanwhile, former Australia opener David Warner, who was received a 12-month ban for his role in the 2018 ball-tampering scandal, claimed Cricket Australia “squashed” the incident of ball-tampering during the first unofficial Test.
“They have obviously squashed it as fast as they could, given that India is coming out here this summer. But if the umpires deemed something happened, I am sure there will be a follow up. I think the umpires or the match referee should be standing here answering questions,” he had said.
- Location :
Melbourne (Australia)
