Australia 195 (Mukesh 6-46) and 226 for 3 (McSweeney 88*, Webster 61*) won India A 107 (Doggett 6-15) and 312 (Sai Sudharsan 103, Padikkal 88, O’Neill 4-55)
India A were at the center of a ball change controversy before the start of the final day against Australia A in Mackay and the umpire was heard saying it had been replaced due to scratches.
Explaining why the ball had been changed, in audio captured by the stump microphones, Craig said: “Scratch, we changed the ball… no more discussion, let’s play.” Kishan replied, “So let’s play with this ball…that’s a very stupid decision.”
Craig responded: “Excuse me, you will be reported for dissent. That is inappropriate behavior. Because of your actions we changed the ball.”
However, it is significant that Australia A was not awarded five penalty runs as set out in Law 41.3.4 when the umpires consider the ball to have been “unfairly changed”.
“If the referees consider that the state of the ball has been unfairly altered by one or more members of one or the other side, they must ask the captain of the opposing side if he wants the ball to be replaced. If necessary, in the case On the batting side, batsmen at the wicket can substitute for their captain.
“41.3.4.1 – If a replacement ball is requested, the referees will immediately select and put into use a ball that will have comparable wear and tear to the previous ball immediately prior to the violation.
“41.3.4.2 – Regardless of whether a replacement ball has been chosen to be used, the umpire of the bowler’s side shall: award 5 penalty runs to the opposite side; if applicable, inform the batsmen at the wicket and the captain of the side of the field that the ball has been changed and the reason for its action; inform the captain of the batting side as soon as possible of what happened.
“The referees together will report what has occurred as soon as possible after the match to the Executive of the offending side and any Governing Body responsible for the match, who will take such action as they consider appropriate against the captain, any other person involved and, where appropriate, the equipment.”
Cricket Australia has been contacted for comment.
Once India A failed to make early progress on the final morning, they started going through the motions with Sai Sudharsan sending six overs of fairly friendly spin.
