‘India A players were up to something with the ball’: Former AUS keeper Ian Healy on ball-change controversy in 1st unofficial Test | Cricket News

Weighing in on the ball-change controversy during the Australia A-India A first four-day match in Mackay on Sunday, former Australia wicket-keeper has said that the Indian players were “up to something” with the ball.
The final day of the first unofficial Test got off on a wrong note when the Indian players surrounded umpire Shawn Craig to question the abrupt change of balls from overnight. The Indians were handed a fresh ball to resume proceedings in their attempt to defend a 224-run target. Australia A walked in with seven wickets in hand and an 86-run deficit when an argument ensued in the middle.
While umpire Craig informed the visitors that the ball was changed because the officials believed scratch marks were intentionally placed on the ball. When India A wicket-keeper Ishan Kishan protested the decision, calling it “stupid”, umpire Craig cautioned the player of a report for dissent and “inappropriate behaviour”.
While allegations of ball-tampering cropped up instantly, Cricket Australia later cleared India A while also stating that Kishan will not be reprimanded. However, Healy believes the umpires were correct in their decision to change the match ball.
Healy questions India A players
“When you see a team complain about a ball being changed, they were up to something,” Healy said on SENQ.
“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.”
Led captain Nathan McSweeney’s unbeaten 88, Australia A cruised to a comfortable win in the opening fixture. The 25-year-old who made a case for the opener’s slot in the upcoming Border Gavaskar Trophy squad said that he was unaware of any deteriorations on the ball.
“To be honest, I can’t really (explain it) at all,” McSweeney said in a post-match press conference. I was at the striker’s end and the umpires simply said that they had changed the ball. I wasn’t sure what for because I didn’t see any change in the ball.”
The second tour match will be held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on November 7 with India A including KL Rahul and Dhruv Jurel from the main Test squad into their line-up.