David Warner has urged Cricket Australia (CA) to provide a thorough explanation regarding the controversial ball change incident that occurred during the final day of the Australia A-India A match in Mackay. The incident sparked outrage among Indian players, particularly wicketkeeper Ishan Kishan, who vehemently protested the umpires’ decision to replace the ball.
Audio captured by the stump microphone revealed umpire Shawn Craig informing Kishan that the previous ball had scratches and that he would be reported for calling the decision “stupid.” Craig stated, “You scratch it, we change the ball. There will be no more discussion, let’s play.”
Hours after the match concluded, CA released a statement claiming that the ball had “deteriorated” and that no further action would be taken. The statement added that both teams’ captains and managers had been informed of the decision before play resumed.
Warner, who admitted to not having witnessed the entire incident but had observed the on-field exchanges, suggested that the issue had been swiftly addressed ahead of India’s impending arrival for the five-Test Border-Gavaskar Trophy. He emphasized the need for CA to provide a comprehensive explanation, stating, “The ultimate decision is with CA isn’t it? I think they have obviously squashed it as fast as they could, given that India is coming out here this summer.”
Warner also expressed his belief that the match referee should address the umpires’ actions and stand by their decisions. He added, “I think the match referee should be coming out and addressing his own staff which are the umpires. And if they’re sticking by the umpire’s decisions, you have to stand up for that.”
It is understood that no footage exists of any untoward behavior involving the ball. According to the laws of the game, a five-run penalty is imposed if the umpires determine that the ball has been unfairly altered. However, CA’s playing conditions include an additional clause that allows the umpires to change the ball without imposing penalty runs if the cause of the damage is unclear.
Warner’s comments came on the same day he was announced as the captain of the Sydney Thunder following the overturning of his lifetime leadership ban imposed for his involvement in the Newlands ball-tampering scandal in 2018. He acknowledged the severity of his punishment and expressed his acceptance of it, stating, “The punishment that was handed down was there for a reason and I thoroughly accept that.”
Warner emphasized his desire to share his knowledge and experience with the Thunder’s younger players, hoping to inspire them to become future leaders in the sport.
