India A Suspected of Ball Tampering in Australia A Match, Says Ian Healy
Former Australian wicket-keeper Ian Healy has raised suspicions about the India A team’s involvement in the controversial ball change incident during their four-day match against Australia A. Healy believes that India A may have been attempting to manipulate the ball for reverse swing, which could have given them an advantage in the match.
The incident occurred on day four of the match when umpires changed the ball due to a scratch. India A wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan expressed his disapproval of the decision, leading to a warning from the umpire. However, Cricket Australia later stated that the ball was changed due to deterioration and no action would be taken.
Healy, however, remains skeptical. He believes that India A’s complaints about the ball change and their subsequent refusal to attend a post-match press conference are suspicious. He also criticized India A’s decision to skip an intra-squad game at the WACA in Perth and instead opt for center wicket stimulation practice.
Healy believes that Australia A captain Nathan McSweeney should open the batting for Australia in the first Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test against India. McSweeney scored 39 and 88 not out in the seven-wicket win over India A and has been in impressive form.
Healy also expressed concern about India’s preparation for the Test series, especially after their 3-0 defeat to New Zealand at home. He believes that India should have played more competitive matches in the lead-up to the series.