Cricket Australia (CA) issued a statement confirming that Kishan will not face charges for dissent after match officials clarified the reasoning behind the ball change in the ‘A’ series match in Mackay. Kishan found himself in hot water after a reported altercation with the umpire during the game against Australia A, which the hosts were poised to win with just a few runs remaining.
The incident unfolded while the India A team was fielding, as on-field umpire Shawn Craig asked for a ball change from the match referee. Eventually, he was seen speaking to Ishan regarding the condition of the ball. Craig had warned the wicketkeeper-batter that he could face a dissent charge for his “inappropriate behaviour” after being heard on the stump microphones calling the ball change a “very stupid decision.”
Craig initially remarked, “You will be on the report for dissent; that is inappropriate behaviour,” as captured by the stump microphone. However, no further action was taken following Australia A’s comfortable seven-wicket victory.
Cricket Australia clarified that the ball used in the game’s fourth innings was replaced due to deterioration. Both captains and team managers were informed of this decision beforehand, with Cricket Australia confirming that no further action would be taken.
According to CA’s Rule 41.3.4, a ball deemed “deteriorated” does not warrant a five-run penalty unless the umpires conclude it was unfairly altered. Eventually, play resumed on Sunday with the new ball, and Australia A achieved a seven-wicket victory, chasing down the required 86 runs after ending Day 3 at 139 for 3.
