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“They were up to something” – Ian Healy on ball-tampering saga in IND-A vs AUS-A 1st unofficial Test despite Cricket Australia's clarification

Former Australia cricketer Ian Healy has rubbished Cricket Australia’s clarification regarding the ball-tampering saga in the recently concluded practice match between India A and Australia A in Mckay. Healy said Indian players 'were up to something' because they complained about the ball change.

The 60-year-old further alleged that the tourists were gearing for reverse swing but Australia A did well to chase the small target. Ian Healy told SENQ:

“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.”

As per multiple reports, India A players questioned the on-field umpire Shawn Craig about the ball change before they were handed a fresh ball on the final day of the match. The officials believed there were intentional scratch marks on the ball. Ishan Kishan called it a stupid decision and the umpire termed the reaction inappropriate behavior.


What Cricket Australia said on ball tampering saga?

In a statement, CA confirmed that the ball was changed “due to deterioration.” They added that the captain and manager were informed about the decision and no action would be taken. As far as the match is concerned, Australia A beat India A by seven wickets.

Batting first, Ruturaj Gaikwad and Co. were bundled out for 107 in the first innings. Brendan Doggett bagged a six-wicket haul for the hosts. In response, Australia A posted 195 in their first innings. Mukesh Kumar emerged as the leading wicket-taker for India A, picking up six wickets. Prasidh Krishna also bagged three wickets.

In the second innings, India put up 312. Sai Sudharsan top-scored with 103 off 200 deliveries, a knock laced with nine boundaries. Devdutt Padikkal also chipped in with 88 off 199. Fergus O'Neill and Todd Murphy shared four and three wickets, respectively.

Chasing 226, the Aussies won the game with seven wickets in hand. Skipper Nathan McSweeney and Beau Webster stayed unbeaten on 88 (178) and 61 (117) to take the team over the line.

The two teams will next lock horns in the second unofficial Test in Melbourne, which starts on November 7. As per reports, KL Rahul and Dhruv Jurel are likely to play the game. The duo are part of the senior India men's squad for the five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy series down under.

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