Warner questions ball change controversy in India A match, says ‘quashed as fast as possible’
David Warner has suggested that the recent ball change incident in the first unofficial Test between India A and Australia A was quickly โsquashedโ by Cricket Australia (CA), with an eye towards avoiding any friction ahead of Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
New Delhi: David Warner has suggested that the recent ball change incident in the first unofficial Test between India A and Australia A was quickly โsquashedโ by Cricket Australia (CA), with an eye towards avoiding any friction ahead of Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
The controversy erupted on November 3 during the fourth day at the Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay, when umpires informed India A that the ball had been changed before the start of play, sparking frustration from the players and a heated exchange caught on the stump mic.
“The ultimate decision is with CA, isnโt it? I think they have obviously squashed it as fast as they could, given that India is coming out here this summer,โ Warner told ESPNCricinfo.
Also Read: Virat Kohli Turns 36: A Journey of Milestones, Unmatched Dedication, and Record-Breaking Crickethttps://munsifdaily.com/virat-kohli-turns-36-a-journey-of-milestones-unmatched-dedication-and-record-breaking-cricket/
During the exchange, umpire Shawn Craig was heard saying, โWhen you scratch it, we change the ball. No more discussion, letโs play.โ India Aโs wicketkeeper, Ishan Kishan, reacted by calling the decision โstupid,โ to which Craig responded, reminding Kishan that his comments were on record for dissent.
Australia A went on to win the match, but after the game, Cricket Australia issued a statement clarifying that the ball had been changed due to โdeteriorationโ and cleared India A of any allegations of ball-tampering. Moreover, despite Craigโs comment on dissent, no disciplinary action was taken against Kishan.
Wraner went on to suggest that a more transparent approach from CA might have helped, particularly in addressing the decisions made by the umpires and the match referee.
โIf 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,โ Warner said. โThatโs obviously a statement CA has to release. I have not seen anything,” he said.
