 "India A cleared of ball tampering during first unofficial Test against Australia A; No action to be taken against Kishan")
The India A cricket team has been cleared of ball-tampering allegations during the first unofficial Test against Australia A in Mackay, Cricket Australia have confirmed via a statement. Day four of the first Test witnessed a controversial moment on Sunday after the visitors were accused of ball tampering during the match. Wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan was also given a warning for “inappropriate behaviour”. There will be no further action taken against Kishan.
A statement from Cricket Australia said that the change of ball was due to “deterioration “of the ball and not due to tampering. “The ball used in the fourth innings of the match was changed due to deterioration,” a Cricket Australia spokesperson said as per a report in Australian Associated Press. “Both teams’ captain and manager were informed of the decision prior to the start of play. No further action is being taken,” the report added.
Ahead of play on Sunday, the match officials informed India A players that the ball had been changed due to tampering and that scratches were visible on the ball. “When you scratch it, we change the ball. No more discussion, let’s play,” said umpire Shawn Craig.
Ishan Kishan wasn’t pleased with the umpire’s decision, and India A’s players and the match officials were soon involved in an argument with the match officials. “So we have to play with this ball? That’s a very stupid decision," Kishan had questioned. It was at this time when Craig warned Kishan that he would be reported for dissent. “Excuse me. You’ll be on report for dissent. That’s inappropriate behaviour," Craig said.
As per Article 2.15 of Cricket Australia’s Code of Conduct, tampering with the ball is an offence where a player could be punished. “Any action(s) likely to alter the condition of the ball which are not specifically permitted under Law 41.3.2 may be regarded as unfair,” says the rule.
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More Shorts“Umpires shall use their judgment to apply the principle that actions taken to maintain or enhance the condition of the ball, provided no artificial substances are used, shall be permitted. Any actions taken with the purpose of damaging the condition of the ball or accelerating the deterioration of the condition of the ball shall not be permitted,” adds the rule.
India A had set Australia A a 225-run target on the fourth and final day of the unofficial Test. Captain Nathan McSweeney (88*) and Beau Webster (61*) forged an unbeaten 141-run stand for the fourth wicket to help Australia A win by seven wickets. Melbourne will host the second unofficial Test between the two teams from 7 November.
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