Ishan Kishan warned for arguing with umpire amid ball-tampering allegations

The final day of the unofficial Test match between India A and Australia A in Mackay was filled with drama. Wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan faced accusations of “inappropriate behaviour” amid ball-tampering allegations against the visiting Indian team. Tensions escalated before play began on Sunday, November 3, and Ishan could find himself in trouble if officials charge him with on-field “dissent.”
According to local media, Ishan Kishan may face sanctions due to his altercation with umpire Shawn Craig. The start of play at the Great Barrier Reef Arena on Day 4 was delayed when the umpires changed the ball, citing “scratch marks” on the previous one. Indian players were seen arguing with the umpires, and Craig was overheard on the stump mic stating that the tourists were responsible for the scratches.
Ishan Kishan expressed his displeasure over the ball change and engaged in a heated discussion with umpire Shawn.
“You scratch it, we change the ball. There will be no more discussion; let’s play. This is not a discussion; you will be playing with that ball,” umpire Shawn told the Indian players, as quoted by The Age.
Ishan replied, calling the decision “very stupid,” which further irritated the umpire.
“Excuse me, you will be penalised for dissent. That is inappropriate behaviour; it is because of your actions that we changed the ball,” umpire Shawn retorted.

Screengrab from X

The seriousness of the ball-tampering allegations remains to be seen. If found guilty, players involved in altering the condition of the ball could face penalties, including potential bans, according to Cricket Australia’s Code of Conduct.
Eventually, play commenced on Sunday with the new ball, and Australia A secured a seven-wicket victory. They needed 86 runs to win on the final day after ending Day 3 at 139 for 3.
Captain Nathan McSweeney excelled with an unbeaten 88, while Beau Webster contributed 61 to help Australia A clinch a comfortable win.
India posted 312 in their second innings, showing marked improvement with Sai Sudharsan scoring a hundred and Devdutt Padikkal adding 88. However, the Australian batters performed too well in their final innings. India found themselves on the back foot from the first innings, having been bundled out for just 107 when they batted first. Mukesh Kumar stood out for India A with a six-wicket haul that restricted Australia A to 195 in their first innings.
The second unofficial Test between the two teams will begin on November 7 in Melbourne.