David Warner Questions CA Over India's Ball Change Controversy
On Sunday, the Indian wicketkeeper, Ishan Kishan and the on-field umpire got into a heated argument after umpires changed the ball used by India A in the unofficial match. Now, David Warner has called for Cricket Australia to provide more information regarding the incident. Before the final day's play of the match, umpire Shawn Craig informed the Indian players on the pitch, “When you scratch it we change the ball.” This was done while India A was defending a 224-run mark.
Ishan Kishan, who was returning to the national team radar after a year, could be heard on the stump mic telling the on-field umpire, “It is a very stupid decision” to play with the new ball. To this, Craig replied, “You’ll be on report for dissent. That’s inappropriate behavior. Because of your actions we changed the ball.”
The rest of the day saw a partnership being built between skipper Nathan McSweeney and Beau Webster that led Australia A to a seven-wicket win. A few hours after the match, Cricket Australia released a statement stating that the ball used in the fourth inning of the match was changed due to deterioration. “Both teams’ captain and manager were informed of the decision prior to the start of play. No further action is being taken,” they wrote in the statement.
While speaking about the whole controversy, David Warner said that he thinks Australia has squashed the issue ahead of India’s arrival for the five-test Border-Gavaskar trophy.
"The ultimate decision is with CA isn't it? I think they have obviously squashed it as fast as they could, given that India is coming out here this summer. But if the umpires deemed something happened, I am sure there will be a follow up. I think the umpires or the match referee should be standing here answering questions,” said Warner.