‘On report for dissent’: Ball tampering controversy erupts in Australia A win

A ball tampering controversy has overshadowed the end of the tour match between Australia and India, with one player rebuked by the umpire.

Australia A’s victory over India A has been overshadowed by some bizarre ball tampering controversy on the final day’s play.

As play was about to resume on Sunday at Mackay’s Great Barrier Reef Arena, the action was delayed, with the Indian team getting into a terse exchange with the umpire because the match ball was changed because of scratch marks.

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India A wicketkeeper Ishan Kishan wasn’t happy with the decision and got into a heated discussion with umpire Shawn Craig over the ball change.

“No more discussion, let’s play,” Craig was overheard saying on the stump mic.

“This is not a discussion.”

Kishan replied: “So we have to play with this ball? That’s a very stupid decision.”

His comments weren’t received well by Craig, who responded: “Excuse me. You’ll be on report for dissent. That’s inappropriate behaviour.”

“You scratch it, we change the ball,” Craig was overheard saying.

“It is because of your actions we changed the ball.”

Watch the exchange between Ishan Kishan and the umpire in the video above

A match umpire speaks to players of India A before commencement of play during day four of the match between Australia A and India A. (Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images)

Kishan has played two Tests, 27 ODIs and 32 T20s since making his international debut in 2021.

Cricket broadcaster Bharat Sundaresan wrote on X: “Wow is this the most amount of drama ever witnessed in a game of cricket in Mackay?

“Ball tampering allegations, players called out for inappropriate behaviour all while Nathan McSweeney strengthens his claim for the Test opening slot.”

ESPNCricinfo’s Andrew McGlashan said: “Appears Ishan Kishan could be in trouble with the umpires after an exchange before the start of play on the final day in Mackay.”

The Age’s Dan Brettig said: “Drama in Mackay.

“Fair to say Nathan McSweeney’s excellent game for a victorious Australia A has been overshadowed somewhat,” he said.

Nathan McSweeney impressed in Australia A’s win. (Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images)

Captain Nathan McSweeney topscored for Australia A, finishing unbeaten on 88 (178 balls) as he steered the Aussies to a seven-wicket win.

McSweeney bats in the middle order for South Australia but is emerging as the frontrunner to open the batting for Australia this Test summer.

Sam Konstas and Cameron Bancroft were out for 16 in the second innings, while Marcus Harris made 16.

Tasmanian all-rounder Beau Webster was 61 not out and combined with McSweeney for a 141-partnership.

The second game between Australia A and India gets underway on Thursday, November 7 at the MCG.

Australia kicks off the summer of international cricket when the ODI series against Pakistan begins at the MCG on Monday.