Former Australia opener David Warner has called on Cricket Australia to explain what transpired regarding the changed ball in the first unofficial Test between India A and Australia A. Warner believed Cricket Australia had moved too quickly to “squash” the issue, given the senior Indian team would play a five-Test series in Australia.
The imbroglio began on the final day of the four-day match in Mackay when umpires changed the ball used by the Indian players at the beginning of the day’s play. This immediately caused discontent among the Indian team, with wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan labeling it “a very stupid decision.”
Warmer, whose leadership ban was only recently lifted, said, “I think the ultimate decision lies with Cricket Australia. They have tried to handle this issue as quickly as possible, obviously with India coming this summer.”
He added that if the umpires felt any rule had been breached, there should be a follow-up to deal with the situation.
“The match referee should come forward and explain the decisions made by the umpires. If they stand by those decisions, Cricket Australia needs to support that.”
The stump mic picked up an animated discussion on an eventful final day, with umpire Shawn Craig saying, “You scratch it; we change the ball. No more discussion; let’s play.” Kishan replied, “So we are going to play with this ball… that’s a very stupid decision.”
After the game, Cricket Australia issued a statement that explained the reason for the replacement of the ball was due to deterioration, a pre-notification given to the two captains and managers before resuming the game. No further action will be taken, the statement added.
According to cricket laws, a five-run penalty applies if the ball is changed due to unfair alteration. However, Cricket Australia’s playing conditions allow the umpires to change the ball without penalty if the cause of damage is uncertain, so no penalty runs were logged against Australia A.
