The troubles for the Indian team have already begun even before the start of the Border Gavaskar Trophy. Controversy erupted when match officials made the decision to change the ball before the start of the play on Sunday in the first unofficial Test. India A players were informed that the ball was changed since the umpires felt that the ball was tampered at some point in the match.  

Umpire Shawn Craig is the man who brought this development to the team’s attention. Understandably so, the decision was not well received by the India A players and they soon began protesting the on-field umpire’s decision. 

Heated conversation between Kishan and the on-field umpires

Once the decision regarding ball change was made, Umpire Craig replied firmly to the Indian players stating that once the ball is scratched it ought to be changed and refrained from getting into further discussion. India A wicket-keeper batter Ishan Kishan was livid by that call and called it a stupid decision. 

India A accused of Ball Tampering.

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?"

S Craig - "You're playing with that ball."

I Kishan - "That's a very… pic.twitter.com/iKDoH0ZVDf

— Cricketopia (@CricketopiaCom) November 3, 2024

Such remarks were not welcomed by the on-field umpire and Kishan was later informed that he will be reported for the same. Surprisingly enough, the officials did not offer any explanation on how the ball was tampered and did not offer a 5-run penalty to Australia A.

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Players implicated in the ball tampering incident may face suspensions if it is determined that the team deliberately altered the condition of the ball, as outlined in Cricket Australia's code of conduct. However, Kishan ended up on the fortunate side and was spared by the governing body despite his rash remarks against the on-field umpires.