Photo Credit: Facebook Photo of David Warner
David Warner has claimed that Cricket Australia (CA) quickly dismissed the India A ball-tampering allegations, suggesting the issue was “squashed” before the Test series against India.
Warner made his comments on Wednesday, the same day he was named Sydney Thunder’s new BBL captain, signaling the end of his own ball-tampering ordeal. The 38-year-old’s appointment follows the recent lifting of his lifetime leadership ban, the final sanction stemming from the 2018 Cape Town ball-tampering scandal.
In the Cape Town incident, Warner and Steve Smith received year-long bans from international and domestic cricket, while Cameron Bancroft was suspended for nine months. The penalties were among the strictest ever for ball-tampering in cricket history, tarnishing the trio’s reputations.
The latest accusations in Mackay serve as a reminder of the ongoing ball-tampering concerns. Umpire Shawn Craig claimed that India A players caused a “scratch” on the ball during the fourth innings of a match against Australia A. The ball was replaced before the fourth day, and both teams were notified. However, India A players were soon cleared and faced no penalties.
“They have obviously squashed it as fast as they could, given that India is coming out here this summer,” Warner stated. He emphasized the need for accountability, suggesting the match referee or umpires should address the situation. “If the umpires deemed something happened, I am sure there will be a follow up,” he added.
When asked if the upcoming series against India influenced the handling of the issue, Warner replied, “That’s what I am saying.” He also noted, “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.”
The incident further highlighted potential tensions between CA and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). In 2007-08, India had threatened to abandon their tour after Harbhajan Singh was accused of racially abusing Andrew Symonds, a charge later overturned. Additionally, during the 2020-21 series, India considered skipping the Gabba Test due to COVID-19 restrictions in Queensland.
A CA spokesperson stated, “The correct process was followed for the replacement of the ball,” and officials found no evidence to warrant further action.
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Name of Author: Cricexec Staff
