David Warner sends shockwaves with Ball-Tampering accusations against Indian team

Veteran opener David Warner has called for an investigation into the ball-tampering allegations involving India A during their unofficial Test against Australia A in Mackay. David Warner expressed doubt over Cricket Australia's (CA) explanation regarding the accusations of ball tampering against the India A team.

Umpires changed the ball after finding several scratches during the final day of the unofficial Test between India A and Australia A. India A players denied any wrongdoing with the ball to take unfair advantage. Cricket Australia issued a statement stating that the reason for the ball's damage was unknown.

The issue was settled after Australia A secured an easy win. However, former Australia wicketkeeper Ian Healy said that India A may have been trying to gain a reverse swing to get back into the match. In response, India A reportedly stated that the ball could have been scratched after hitting a nail on the boards.

Squashed It As Fast As They Could - David Warner

Speaking on Wednesday, David Warner said Cricket Australia quickly squashed the ball-tampering incident due to the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy. He said that there should have been further follow-up, and that the umpires or match referee should address any questions.

"They have obviously squashed it as fast as they could, given that India is coming out here this summer," Warner said.

"But if the umpires deemed something happened, I am sure there will be a follow-up. I think the umpires or the match referee should be standing here answering questions," he added.

I Have Not Seen Anything - David Warner

David Warner reiterated his stance when asked if BGT 2024-25 was a factor in the quick resolution of the ball-tampering issue. He said that the match referee should address the situation and stand by the umpire's decisions. Warner also mentioned that Cricket Australia should release a statement.

"That's what I am saying. 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. That's obviously a statement CA have to release. I have not seen anything," Warner added.

No Further Action Is Being Taken - Cricket Australia spokesperson

After the game, India A was cleared of ball-tampering and faced no sanctions, despite umpire Shawn Craig expressing concerns about how the red ball was handled.

Craig was heard on the stump microphone saying, "When you scratch it, we change the ball. No more discussion, let's play," after which India A players protested the decision.

Craig then warned Ishan Kishan, who had called the umpire's decision "stupid," that he could face further consequences, but Kishan only received an unofficial warning on the field.

"The ball used in the fourth innings of the match was changed due to deterioration. Both teams' captain and manager were informed of the decision prior to the start of play. No further action is being taken," a Cricket Australia spokesperson said.

Also read: IND vs AUS: David Warner becomes Australia team captain before Border-Gavaskar Trophy