India A hit with ball tampering allegation in loss to Australia A; Ishan Kishan reprimanded for dissent 

The Ruturaj Gaikwad-led India A slumped to a seven-wicket defeat against Australia A on Day 4 (Sunday, November 3) of the first unofficial Test at the Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay. However, the final day was far from routine, as a ball-tampering charge took precedence over the batters trying to polish off the remaining runs.

Australia A were within sight of the target, with only 86 runs separating them from a 1-0 lead. Shortly after play resumed on the final day, the India A players voiced their displeasure regarding a ball change. On-field umpire Shawn Craig said the ball had to be changed because the one that India A were using earlier was tampered with.

The Australian umpire advocated a zero-tolerance policy and did not entertain the protests of the Indian players who had swarmed him by the stumps.

“When you scratch it, we change the ball. No more discussion, let’s play. No more discussion; let’s play. This is not a discussion," umpire Shawn Craig was heard saying on the stump mic (via The Indian Express).

The visitors were disgruntled following the umpire's decision, and wicketkeeper Ishan Kishan took it a step further by terming the decision as 'stupid.' The umpire reported the player for dissent and informed him of the same.

“You will be on report for dissent. That’s inappropriate behaviour. It is because of your (team) actions we changed the ball,” the umpire said.

There was no indication suggesting that a specific player had tampered with the ball. The umpire did not shed light on the origins of the scratches on the red cherry, which led to the controversial change and argument.

"There is no indication the umpires believe any individual was responsible for scratching the ball, with no clarity on why the umpires decided to change the ball," a statement by Cricket Australia read (via cricket.com.au).

India have an unfortunate history with ball-tampering, with as many as six players being accused of altering the conditions by match referee Mike Denness during the tour of South Africa in 2001. Former Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq had also accused India of ball tampering during the 2024 T20 World Cup.

McSweeney and Webster record unbeaten fifties to hand India A a 7-wicket defeat

India A had made a strong comeback in the second innings after being bundled out for 107 runs on Day 1. Sai Sudharsan's ton propelled the visitors to a lead, eventually handing a competitive target of 225 to Australia A in the fourth innings.

The game was evenly poised at 85-3 when the pair of skipper Nathan McSweeney and Beau Webster put on an unbeaten partnership for the fourth wicket to guide the team to victory.