India A faces ball tampering allegations; Ishan Kishan warned over dissent | Cricket News – Times of India

India A‘s cricket match against Australia A at the Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay faced controversy on day four due to ball-tampering concerns.
Before play started, the umpires decided to replace the ball, which led to protests from India A players. The exchange and protests were captured by the stump microphone.
Umpire Shawn Craig addressed the India A players, stating, “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.
Ishan Kishan, unhappy with the decision, received a warning for dissent after calling it “really stupid.” Craig responded, “You will be on report for dissent. That’s inappropriate behaviour. It is because of your (team) actions we changed the ball”.
A former Victoria player, Craig, 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 successfully chased down a target of 224 runs with seven wickets in hand. Nathan McSweeney played a key role with an unbeaten score of 88. Earlier in the game, India A set a target by scoring 312 runs in their second innings.
The next unofficial Test match is set to start at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on November 7.