Ishan Kishan warned for dissent as India A is accused of ball tampering against Australia A

India A team that is playing Australia A has been caught in a controversy after being alleged of ball tampering on Day 4 of the unofficial Test in Mackay.

The umpires decided to change the ball before the start of play, leading to protest from India A players. The conversation between players and umpires was caught on the stump mic.

Umpire Shawn Craig told the India A players, "When you scratch it, we change the ball. No more discussion, let's play." Despite their appeals, Craig stood firm, insisting on no further discussion.


Wicket-keeper Ishan Kishan was unhappy with the decision and argued with the umpire and called the decision "very stupid". He received a warning for dissent. "You will be on report for dissent. That's inappropriate behaviour. It is because of your (team) actions we changed the ball," said Craig.

Craig, a former Victoria player has been officiating in cricket matches since 2019. Cricket Australia's regulations indicate that players found guilty of altering the ball's condition will face suspensions.

Australia A won the match by seven-wickets on the final day, taking a 1-0 lead in the two-match Test series. Chasing a target of 225, skipper Nathan McSweeney (88 off 178) and Beau Webster (61 off 117) led the way with commanding half-centuries, guiding Australia to a comfortable win.

Australia A had opted to bowl first, skittling India A for 107, thanks to Brendan Doggett's impressive 6/15. Despite India's low score, Mukesh Kumar (6/46) and Prasidh Krishna (3/43) restricted Australia to 195 in their first innings. A resilient 103 from Sai Sudharsan and Devdutt Padikkal's 88 took India to 312 in the second innings, setting a target of 225.

Though Australia wobbled at 85/3, McSweeney and Webster’s steady partnership ensured they chased down the target to win the first Test convincingly.

The next unofficial Test match is set to start at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on November 7.