Former Test opener Ed Cowan has slammed Cricket Australia’s response to the ball tampering controversy in last week’s Australia A game, suggesting the umpire’s claims were swept under the rug because of the upcoming Test series against India.
On day four of the game between India A and Australia A in Mackay, India’s players argued with the umpires because the match ball had been changed overnight.
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Umpire Shawn Craig was overheard on the stump mics telling the touring players: “You scratch it, we change the ball … it is because of your actions we changed the ball.”
India A wicketkeeper Ishan Kishan wasn’t 스포츠토토사이트 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.”
Later on Sunday, Cricket Australia released a statement saying the match ball had been changed “due to deterioration”.
“Both teams’ captain and manager were informed of the decision prior to the start of play,” the statement read. “No further action is being taken.”
Speaking on the ABC Grandstand Cricket podcast, Cowan said he was shocked there wasn’t support for the umpire.
“Shawn Craig, it feels has been hung out to dry here badly,” Cowan said.
“Has had no support from his employer. He has seen something on the field and in his best judgement, tried to rectify that.
“Then Cricket Australia have worked out that they’ve got an issue.”