India A accused of ball-tampering; Ishan Kishan warned over 'dissent'

Ahead of the Border-Gavaskar trophy, a controversy has erupted with the India A team, which is on the Australia tour for three unofficial Tests, being accused of ‘ball-tampering,’ according to reports.

The dissension broke out during the final day of the first ‘Unofficial Test’ between India A and Australia A, in Mackay, which the visitors lost by seven wickets.

It all started when the on-field umpires changed the ball used by India A overnight. During this, team’s wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan also faced accusations of “inappropriate behaviour,” according to PTI.

Even before the play began, a group of Indian players were involved in a heated exchange with umpire Shawn Craig after the change of ball at the start of day four.

The umpire was heard saying it had been replaced because of scratches with Kishan terming the decision to change the ball as “stupid”.

Umpire Craig was heard in stump microphone explaining his decision to change the ball: “When you scratch it, we change the ball...no more discussion, let's play.”

Kishan retorted: “So we are going to play with this ball…that's a very stupid decision.”

To which Craig responded: “Excuse me, you'll be on report for dissent. That's inappropriate behaviour. Because of your actions we changed the ball.”

However, Cricket Australia later issued a statement, saying Kishan will not be charged with dissent after match officials clarified the ball was changed “due to deterioration”.

CA added that captains and managers of both teams were informed of the decision prior to start of the final day's play, and no further action was required.

Resuming at the overnight score of 139 for 3 while chasing 225, skipper Nathan McSweeney (88 not out) and Beau Webster (61) remained unbeaten, stitching unconquered 141 runs for the fourth wicket to ensure the comfortable win for the hosts.

Even though the ball was changed, Australia A were not awarded five penalty runs.

Altering the condition of the ball is a level three charge under Cricket Australia's code of conduct. — with PTI