Ian Healy, Australia’s great keeper-batter, believes that India  A players were doing something with the ball that led to the controversy after it was changed on day 4 by umpire Shawn Craig during their recent match against Australia A at Mackay.

At the Great Barrier Reef Arena, umpires changed the ball before play began on day four due to a scratch on the ball.

On-field umpire Shawn Craig was heard saying via stump mic, "When you scratch it, we change the ball. No more discussion, let's play."

That led to a heated exchange with Kishan who replied: "So we are going to play with this ball…that's a very stupid decision."

Craig responded: "Excuse me, you'll be on report for dissent. That's inappropriate behavior. Because of your actions, we changed the ball."

However, Cricket Australia put out a statement after the match ended that the ball was changed due to deterioration and no action would be taken against anyone.

However, Ian Healy feels that India A players had done something with the ball and hence were not happy when the umpire changed it.

"When you see a team complain about a ball being changed, they were up to something. India A was gearing up for a big reverse swing session to get the Australians under pressure. Australia was chasing a small total and it just didn't happen (for India A). The Australia A batters were oblivious to it. They just put their head down and performed really well," said Healy on SEN Radio.

He was also hostile to India. A decision to forgo the post-game press conference, even as Australia's Nathan McSweeney, the skipper, attended one and took questions.

"Then India, they whinged about it. They didn't then front the media to deny it. They just closed ranks and didn't give themselves a chance to sort of say what they thought was happening. But I thought Cricket Australia was clinical, and the umpires were good. If they are suspicious about the ball, just change it,” he added.

Healy concluded by criticizing India's preparation for the crucial five-match series, particularly after canceling their scheduled intra-squad game at the WACA in Perth and instead heading for center wicket stimulation practice.

"Lucky it is the A team. The actual India team should be playing that game and so this one at the MCG this week. They are coming off a 3-0 whitewashing against New Zealand,” Healy stated.

The BGT 2024 begins on November 22 with the first Test to be played at the Perth Stadium.

(IANS inputs)