India A’s wicketkeeper Ishan Kishan expressed frustration over a ball change on the final day of the 1st unofficial Test against Australia A. Despite his heated exchange with umpire Shawn Craig, Kishan escaped a dissent charge.
Ishan Kishan’s Heated Exchange Over Ball Change Decision
In a tense moment during the 1st unofficial Test between India A and Australia A, Ishan Kishan found himself in a heated exchange with umpire Shawn Craig regarding a controversial ball change.
As play resumed on the final day, the Indian players were informed that the ball had been replaced due to “deterioration,” though the decision sparked concerns of ball tampering among the India A team.
The controversy heightened when Kishan, visibly upset, called it a “very stupid decision,” to which Craig warned him about potential dissent charges.
Key Incident: Ball Change Controversy
As the final day’s play was about to begin, umpire Shawn Craig informed India A players that the ball had been replaced due to scratches that reportedly suggested deterioration.
This prompted a reaction from Kishan, who questioned the decision, calling it “a very stupid decision.”
Tensions rose when Craig warned Kishan of a dissent charge, citing “inappropriate behaviour.”
However, later in the day, Cricket Australia clarified that the change was made due to “deterioration” without any formal accusation of tampering. No penalties were imposed on Kishan, but the incident set a dramatic tone for the day’s play.
“The ball used in the fourth innings of the match was changed due to deterioration,” a CA spokesperson said. “Both teams’ captain and manager were informed of the decision prior to the start of play. No further action is being taken.”
“I was at the striker’s end when the umpires said they’d changed the ball, I’m not sure what quite for, I didn’t notice any change in the ball personally,” said Australia A captain Nathan.
CA playing condition 41.3.4
CA playing condition 41.3.4 reads: “If the umpires together suspect, but are not certain, that the condition of the ball has been unfairly changed, or that its condition is inconsistent with the use it has received, the umpires may: Change the ball forthwith. The umpires shall choose a replacement ball for one of similar wear and of the same brand as the ball in use prior to the contravention; Bowler’s end umpire shall issue the captain with a first and final warning.”
Stellar Performances by Australia A
Nathan McSweeney’s composed 88 not out anchored Australia A’s innings, alongside Beau Webster’s resilient 61*, which helped secure the seven-wicket victory.
McSweeney’s display not only showcased his skill but also bolstered his case for a spot in Australia’s Test squad.
Earlier in the match, India A’s Sai Sudharsan and Devdutt Padikkal had delivered crucial innings with 103 and 88 respectively in the second innings, which helped set a competitive target.
However, Australia A’s steady chase on the final day proved decisive, marking a memorable victory.
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