Former Australia opener David Warner has urged Cricket Australia to explain what happened when the umpires changed the ball during India A’s first unofficial Test against Australia A, stating the governing body “squashed” the problem “as quickly as possible.” Warner, whose leadership ban was just overturned by Cricket Australia, noted that the issue had been resolved because the senior Indian squad is scheduled to travel to Australia for a five-Test series. The problem arose on the final day of the four-day encounter in Mackay last week when the umpires gave the Indian players a different ball to begin play.
The Indian players, particularly Ishan Kishan, were dissatisfied with the decision as the wicketkeeper-batter, describing it as “very stupid” I think he’s destroyed it as fast they possibly could, given that India’s due out here this summer,” Warner told the ‘Sydney Morning Herald’.
“But if the umpires deem an incident happened, then I’m sure there’ll be a follow-up and the umpires or the football referee should be standing here asking those questions. which’s an explanation that CA should release,” he continued.
On the final day, stump mic audio captured umpire Shawn Craig saying, “You scratch it, we change the ball.” There will be no more discussion; let us play. This is not a talk; you will be playing with the ball.” Then Kishan responded: “So we are going to play with this ball…that’s a very stupid decision.”
CA published a statement hours after the game ended, stating, “The ball used in the fourth innings of the match was changed due to deterioration.” The decision was communicated to both teams’ captains and managers before the start of play. “No further action is being taken.” Under cricket laws, a five-run penalty is given if the umpires alter the ball after judging it was unjustly