India A accused of ball tampering in explosive clash with umpire during tour match against Australia A
The final day of Australia A’s first tour match has kicked off in dramatic fashion, with the ball changed amid allegations of tampering by India A.
Play was just about to resume on Sunday, with Australia needing 86 runs for victory, when several Indian players surrounded umpire Shawn Craig to question the ball handed to them.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.“When you scratch it, we change the ball,” Craig could be heard saying over the stump microphone.
India attempted to argue the point but it was quickly shut down.
“No more discussion, let’s play. This is not a discussion,” Craig said.
Asked if they would be playing with the ball they had in hand, the umpire reiterated: “You’re playing with that ball.”
Indian wicketkeeper Ishan Kishan, who has played two Tests and 59 white-ball internationals, then bluntly declared it is a “really stupid decision”.
“Excuse me,” Craig shot back.
“You will be on report for dissent. That’s inappropriate behaviour. It is because of your (team) actions we changed the ball.”
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 who form part of the Test squad.
There is no indication at this stage of who umpires believe was responsible for the alleged tampering, with Kishan only on report for dissent.
India played on following the drama but Australia moved closer to victory, with Nathan McSweeney quickly reaching his half-century as he pushes for a Test spot.
- with AAP
Originally published on 7NEWS Sport
