The last day of the unofficial Test match between India A and Australia A in Mackay on November 3, 2024, was full of drama. The main issue was talk about ball-tampering. Tensions increased when the umpires decided to change the red ball that had been used overnight as play continued at the Great Barrier Reef Arena.
Before the game started, umpires Ben Treloar and Shawn Craig talked with some India A players about changing the ball. The players were upset, leading to a tense discussion. A media report mentioned that umpire Shawn Craig said the Indian players scratched the ball that was used on Saturday.
However, a report on Cricket Australia’s website said India A players were not directly accused of tampering with the ball. It noted that Umpire Craig did not explain why the ball was changed or what he thought happened to it. Later, Cricket Australia put out a statement saying that the ball was changed because it had “worn out.”
In summary, while there was some confusion and tension on the field, official reports confirmed that there were no direct accusations against the Indian players. The reason for the ball change was that it was worn out, and no more details were given about any possible damage or tampering.
During this conversation, wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan was very vocal and called the decision “extremely foolish.”
While giving a warning to Ishan Kishan, umpire Craig said, “You will be on the report for dissent; that is inappropriate behavior.”
