The ball-tampering controversy from the IND A vs AUS A series just refuses die down. Now, India has come up with their own version, as to what transpired during the last day of the match in Queensland. Now, the visitors have denied any wrongdoing in the unofficial Test.
As per a report in Indian Express, a source from IND A has claimed that the scratch on the ball might have occurred due to it hitting the side-board. He category denied ball-tampering claims by any player. “Our players didn’t tamper or scratch the ball. There were three marks on the ball which was changed. It was like a nail would have brushed it near the ground or the marks would have happened near the boundary rope or it must have brushed the boards. Our players had nothing to do with any allegations and our players told this to the umpire too,” the source said.
Shawn Craig – “When you scratch it, we change the ball. No more discussion, let’s play. This is not a discussion.”
Ishan Kishan – “So we have to play with this ball?”
Shawn Craig – “You’re playing with that ball.”
Ishan Kishan – “That’s a very stupid decision.”
Shawn Craig – “Excuse me. You will be on report for dissent. That is very inappropriate behaviour. Because of your actions, we changed the ball.”
The allegations had first emerged when the IND A players including Ishan Kishan surrounded umpire Shawn Craig, to question the change of the ball overnight. While defending 224, IND A had to use the new ball, with AUS A needing only 86 runs, with seven wickets left.
“Kishan just asked the umpire for reasons to why the ball was being changed as we felt the ball was good enough to be used and that is why our players spoke to the umpire,” he added.
