We switch the ball, and you scratch it." Umpire Shawn Craig started what appears to be more of a ball-change issue than a ball-tampering incident that grabbed center stage in Mackay with those statements, which were heard over the stump microphone on Sunday morning (November 3).
Even as Nathan McSweeney led Australia A to a resounding victory over India A, enhancing his prospects of becoming Australia's next Test opener.
The umpires' failure to enforce the "five penalty runs," permitted by the game's MCC rules, is most likely why their call was not considered to be "tampering" with the ball's condition. It states that the bowler's end umpire must: "award five penalty runs to the opposing side, regardless of whether a replacement ball has been chosen to be used;
If appropriate, inform the batters at the wicket and the captain of the fielding side that the ball has been changed and the reason for their action; inform the captain of the batting side as soon as practicable of what has occurred."
Nonetheless, the Sheffield Shield and Second XI matches between Australia A and India A are played under Cricket Australia's rules, which permit the umpires to switch the ball without imposing a penalty. Additionally, playing conditions typically take precedence over the MCC rules of the game.41.3.4:
The umpires may: 41.3.4.1: Change the ball right away if they collectively suspect—but are unsure—that the ball's condition has been improperly altered or is inconsistent with its use. The umpires will select a substitute ball similar in wear and brand to the one used before the violation.
41.3.4.2: The skipper will receive a first and last warning from the bowler's end umpire.
In other words, even if they might have suspected it, the umpires in Mackay could have relied on their inability to be "certain" that the India A players had unfairly changed the ball's condition.
As a Level 3 offense, "ball tampering" carries a potential suspension for the captain or participating players. Create a betpro online account and see more cricket highlights.
Compared to the law book, the slightly more nuanced description of CA's playing conditions may have prevented the "ball tampering" issue from worsening.
Even though, once the ball was switched before play this morning, there was a great deal of misunderstanding on and off the field.
When the visitors discovered that the ball had been altered overnight, the problem began just before the day's first over was set to be bowled.
Some then protested the decision to umpire Craig, led by captain Ruturaj Gaikwad. Several even asked why the match officials had changed the ball overnight rather than the night before.
And even though Craig said, "No more discussion, let's play.." in response to his earlier remarks, some India A players continued to argue their points while gathered around the referee.
Ishan Kishan, the wicketkeeper for India A, went one step further and was heard to say, "So, we are going to play with this ball? Within earshot of umpire Craig, he said, "That's a foolish decision."
"Pardon me, you'll be on report for dissent," the official replied. Then, while the players stood around, Craig restated his earlier statement: "This is not up for discussion. Come on, let's play.
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Although that ended the heated conversation, the keeper and his teammates later discussed the umpire's decision to change the ball through the stump microphone again. To put an end to the drama, Cricket Australia issued a formal statement.
"Due to degradation, the ball used in the match's fourth innings was replaced. Before play began, the manager and captain of both teams were notified of the decision. Nothing further is being done." Go over the statement.
