Explained: India 'A' ball-tampering accusations and whole saga
A routine shadow tour match between India 'A' and Australia 'A' had no business of being under such a bright spotlight, but the rarity of the incident that occurred on Day 4 of the match, made it so.
There have been so many measures introduced to maintain the condition of the ball as it is. Right from eliminating zippers from trouser pockets to banning the use of saliva on the ball, the only way the condition of the ball can be altered is through the conditions.
If the pitch and conditions are abrasive in nature, the ball is bound to get roughed up, bringing reverse sweep into play. However, the umpires officiating the India 'A' and Australia 'A' contest had the shock of their lives, when the ball sported scratches ahead of the final day's play in Mackay.
According to the MCC laws of the game:
"41.3.4: If the umpires together suspect, but are not certain, that the condition of the ball has been unfairly changed, or that its condition is inconsistent with the use it has received, the umpires may:
41.3.4.1: Change the ball forthwith. The umpires shall choose a replacement ball for one of similar wear and of the same brand as the ball in use prior to the contravention
41.3.4.2: Bowler's end umpire shall issue the captain with a first and final warning."
The umpires had no other option but to change the ball, all of which kick-started a string of events, which is arguably yet to be completely unraveled.
India 'A' were outraged by the incident and the allegations that followed
On-field umpire Shaun Craig was clear in his stance that the ball would be changed, because of the damage inflicted on the one that was in use. India 'A' were already well behind in the contest, and needed seven more wickets to win with not many runs on the board. The ball change came at the worst time, and led to disbelief among the players, who failed to understand how the ball was damaged in the first place.
Amid all of this, Ishan Kishan openly called out the umpires for their 'stupid decision'. The remark, which was caught on the stump mic, led to an unofficial warning as it counted as dissent.
Naturally, when word spread that the ball was changed due to an attempt to change its state, the blame fell on the fielding side. The Ruturaj Gaikwad-led side were mocked incessantly on social media, and mocked for their alleged fail attempt.
All of this, led to Cricket Australia releasing a statement on social media, to absolve India 'A' of the crimes they did not commit. However, they failed to provide an explanation as to what happened to the ball that caused it to be damaged extensively, leading to a ball change altogether.
"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." read the statement.
India 'A' continued to maintain their innocence
While the BCCI did not release a direct statement as Cricket Australia made it clear that the Indian players did not have anything to do with the incident, some insider information did come to light.
According to a source close to the India 'A' camp, there is a reasoning that the ball might have hit a nail by the advertising boards which ultimately was responsible for the damage. But, much more importantly, they maintained that they had nothing to do with the incident in any way whatsoever.
“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 told the Indian Express.
Australian pundits think something is amiss and add fuel to the already dead fire
While the incident was arguably buried inside the first over with the changed ball, since Australia 'A' were not fussed about it and India 'A' moved on with the game, the real outrage came after the match ended.
A large faction of the Australian media was not satisfied with the reasoning provided by the CA. With no mention of the factor behind the ball's damage being mentioned, it has led to all sorts of conspiracy theories floating around, fuelled by the ever-famous Australian pundits.
“They have obviously squashed it as fast as they could, given that India is coming out here this summer. But if the umpires deemed something happened, I am sure there will be a follow up. I think the umpires or the match referee should be standing here answering questions," former Australia player Warner said.
Former Australia players Ian Healy and Ed Cowan also maintained similar stances.
“When you see a team complain about a ball being changed, they were up to something. India A were gearing up for a big reverse swing session in order to get the Australians under pressure. Australia were chasing a small total and it just didn’t happen (for India A). The Australia A batters were oblivious to it. They just put their head down and performed really well," Healy said on SENQ.
"The issue is, similar to any other time India are aggrieved, they threatened to maybe pull a tour or they threatened X, Y and Z and people retreat. Part of me just thinks if this wasn’t India, there would be a totally different reaction," Ed Cowan opined.
There have been no sanctions handed out or further updates issued so far, with the series already moving on to its finale in Melbourne.