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David Warner Accuses Cricket Australia of Covering Up India A Ball Change Incident Because of BGT 2024-25

Jatin

David Warner called for clarity from Cricket Australia on India A ball change controversy [Source: @LMcKirdy7/x.com]David Warner called for clarity from Cricket Australia on India A ball change controversy [Source: @LMcKirdy7/x.com]

Former Australian cricketer, David Warner isn’t holding back. Following a controversial ball change in the trial game between India A and Australia A in Mackay, Warner has called on Cricket Australia (CA) to step up and provide some clear answers.

The ball switch, which happened on the final morning, stirred quite a scene, with India A players visibly unhappy and questioning the decision. David Warner, now Sydney Thunder’s captain after CA lifted his long-standing leadership ban, has suggested CA 'squashed' the issue quickly, possibly because of the Indian Test squad’s arrival Down Under soon.

CA Needs to Address It

Warner was candid about where he thinks responsibility lies. “I think the ultimate decision’s with CA, isn’t it?” he told reporters in Sydney.

Warner hinted that CA might have moved to smooth things over quickly, given India’s big tour this summer. But he believes there should be more transparency.

“If the umpires deem something happened, then I’m sure there’ll be a follow-up,” he added, calling for either the umpires or the match referee to step forward and address the situation publicly.

Warner was firm about accountability. He believes the match referee should be standing up for the umpires and clarifying the decision.

“I think the match referee should be coming out and addressing his own staff, who are the umpires, and if they’re sticking by the umpire’s decisions, then you’ve got to stand up for that,” he said. Warner thinks CA should release a statement to clear things up.

What Exactly Happened?

In the incident that had gone viral, umpire Shawn Craig could be seen speaking with India A players, explaining why the ball was swapped overnight. As the stump microphones picked up, Craig was direct: “You scratch it, we change the ball. There will be no more discussion, let’s play.”

India A’s players, including wicketkeeper Ishan Kishan, were visibly frustrated. Kishan, unable to hold back, reportedly responded, “That is a very stupid decision.”


A Bit of a Backtrack from CA

After the game wrapped up, CA put out a statement attempting to clarify the incident. According to the spokesperson, the ball was changed “due to deterioration,” and the captains and managers from both teams were informed before play resumed.

CA’s statement also confirmed no further action would be taken regarding Kishan’s comments, which seemed to walk back Craig’s words on the field.

Australia's Victory Gets Overshadowed

Despite all the drama, Australia A clinched a solid seven-wicket victory, thanks to a standout performance by their captain, Nathan McSweeney, who scored an unbeaten 88 on a difficult pitch. 

However, the victory was somewhat overshadowed by the ball-change controversy, leaving questions around the decision-making process and why CA is staying so tight-lipped.

With Warner calling for more transparency and CA keeping things under wraps, this story isn’t over yet. Fans and players alike will be looking to see if Cricket Australia provides the clarity Warner is asking for.