India A’s wicketkeeper, Ishan Kishan, could be in trouble after a heated exchange with umpire Shawn Craig about a possible ball-tampering incident on the fourth day of the match against Australia A in Mackay.
The issue happened on Sunday at the Great Barrier Reef Arena, Mackay, Queensland when Craig decided to change the match ball because he noticed some scratch marks, which he believed were caused by the Indian team.
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Umpire Shawn Craig informed India’s players that the ball had been changed due to tampering as they arrived on the field.
“When you scratch it, we change the ball. No more discussion, let’s play,” Craig could be heard saying on the stump microphone.
Kishan however questioned the call of the umpire.
“So we have to play with this ball? That’s a very stupid decision,” Kishan said.
Craig quickly warned Kishan about his comments, giving the young wicketkeeper a caution.
“You will be on report for dissent. That is very inappropriate behaviour,” Craig replied. “Because of your actions we changed the ball.”
However it has been confimed that, Ishan Kishan will not face any charges for dissent following match officials’ clarification regarding the ball change in the ‘A’ series match in Mackay.
Cricket Australia issued a statement explaining that the ball used in the fourth innings was changed “due to deterioration.” Both teams’ captains and coaches were informed of the decision before the game resumed, and Cricket Australia confirmed that no further action would be taken.
After setting a target of 225 with Sai Sudharsan’s impressive 103 and Padikkal’s solid 88, Australia ended day three of the match at 139-3 in their chase. However, on day four, India’s bowlers struggled to make an impact and were unable to take any wickets.
This allowed Australia A to comfortably chase down the target, securing a seven-wicket victory. Nathan McSweeney, their captain, played a crucial role with an unbeaten 88, while Beau Webster added a valuable 61. For India A, Mukesh Kumar, Prasidh Krishna, and Manav Suthar each took one wicket.
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