Ishan Kishan avoids charges after heated exchange with umpire over ball change

Umpire clarifies ball change amid ball tampering accusations against India A during Australia tour.

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Ishan Kishan will not face charges for dissent following a confrontation with an umpire during the final day of the four-day match between India A and Australia A in Mackay.

The incident occurred after India A expressed their dissatisfaction with the replacement of the ball, which led to accusations of ball tampering.

Prior to the match resuming, umpire Shawn Craig informed the Indian players that the ball had been changed due to scratches. He emphasised, “You scratch it, we change the ball. No more discussion, let’s play.” This statement ignited a heated exchange with Kishan, who remarked, “So we are going to play with this ball… that’s a very stupid decision.”

Craig replied that Kishan’s behaviour was inappropriate and warned him that he could be reported for dissent.

Under Cricket Australia (CA) playing conditions, umpires are allowed to change the ball if they suspect it has been unfairly altered. According to CA playing condition 41.3.4, umpires may replace the ball without penalty if they have doubts about how the damage occurred.

Three hours after the match concluded, Cricket Australia issued a statement clarifying that the ball was changed due to “deterioration” rather than tampering, despite the comments captured by stump microphones.

A CA spokesperson confirmed, “The ball used in the fourth innings 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.”

Australia A captain Nathan McSweeney was batting when the ball change was announced and expressed uncertainty about the reasons for the change, stating he did not notice any issues with the ball.

Despite the controversy, McSweeney performed strongly, finishing the chase unbeaten on 88.

Kishan, who is not part of India's Test squad for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy, along with India A captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, will not face repercussions for the incident.

However, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Prasidh Krishna, who played in the first game, will remain in contention for the Test series.

The dramatic scenes at the start of play added tension to the closing stages of the first four-day match, where Australia A successfully chased down the target.