A source in the India A team said that the scratch might have occurred due to the ball hitting the side-board or could have happened if it struck a nail near the boundary ropes. (CA)
The India A side currently playing their Australian counterparts, has denied all allegations made against them of scratching the ball during the first unofficial Test against Australia A at Mackay in Queensland.
A source in the India A team said that the scratch might have occurred due to the ball hitting the side-board or could have happened if it struck a nail near the boundary ropes, but was categorical in saying that no player tampered with the ball while bowling with it.
“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,” a source within the India A team informed.
The final day of the first unofficial Test started off on a wrong note when the Indian players surrounded umpire Shawn Craig to question the abrupt change of ball overnight. The Indians were handed a fresh ball to resume proceedings in their attempt to defend a 224-run target. Australia A walked in with seven wickets in hand and an 86-run deficit when an argument ensued in the middle.
Umpire Craig informed visitors that the ball was changed because officials believed scratch marks were intentionally created on the ball. When India A wicket-keeper Ishan Kishan protested the decision, calling it “stupid”, umpire Craig cautioned the player reporting him for dissent and “inappropriate behaviour”.
The source added that Kishan just asked the umpire the reason for changing the ball as the team felt there was no need for it.
“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.
The India A squad had reached Melbourne where they will be playing their second unofficial Test which will feature KL Rahul and Dhruv Jurel.
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