Australian batter David Warner has asked Cricket Australia to explain why the ball replaced on the final day of the Australia A versus India A warm-up match in Mackay. Indian players, especially wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan, raised questions, asking the umpires why a new ball was introduced before the start of play.
Umpire Shawn Craig explained that the old ball had scratches on it, requiring a change. “You scratch it, we change the ball. There will be no more discussion, let’s play,” Craig was heard saying, according to ESPNcricinfo.
Afterwards, Cricket Australia issued a statement saying the ball had “deteriorated” and would not be investigating the matter further. The statement added: “Both captains and team managers were informed, and the game resumed.”
Warner, not fully briefed himself but having witnessed the conversations during the game. Took issue with how the explanation was made public. He noted how the issue seemed to resolve quickly, especially with India’s upcoming tour for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25.
“The ultimate decision is with CA, isn’t it? I think they’ve squashed it as fast as they could, given that India is coming out here this summer,” Warner said. He added that if the umpires had deemed the ball change necessary. It was important for them, or the match referee, to publicly explain their actions.
I think the match referee should be coming out and addressing his staff, the umpires. And if they’re sticking by the umpire’s decisions, you have to stand up for that,” Warner said. “That’s a statement CA has to release. I have not seen anything yet.”
Rules prescribed a five-run penalty on the batting team if umpires changed the ball over suspected unfair changes. However, CA’s playing conditions include an added clause that allows the umpires to change the ball without penalty runs if it is unclear how the ball has been damaged.
Although the incident has been officially buried, Warner’s comments highlight ongoing questions about the decision-making process in the game and the transparency involved. As India gears up for the upcoming Test series. The ball change incident is something that is still on the minds of the people.
ANI