India A pacer Prasidh Krishna was seen involved in a frustrating argument with the umpires over the condition of the ball on day 2 of the ongoing four-day match against Australia A being played at the MCG.
This comes days after the first FC game between the two sides was marred by the controversy of ball tampering. In the unofficial first test in Mackay, India A player faced suspicions of ball tampering when the on-field umpires altered the ball they used overnight.
After collecting three early wickets overnight, the India A players were dissatisfied and argued with umpire Shawn Craig about the ball used to resume play.
On the decision to change the ball, the umpire accused India A of manipulating the cherry's condition.
"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," the umpire was heard saying on air.
This led to Ishan Kishan, who kept wickets in that match, calling it a ‘stupid decision’ and almost being slapped with a dissent charge. However, Cricket Australia (CA) squashed all the allegations against the India A players, saying that the 'ball was changed due to deterioration'.
Coming to the current incident, in the 28th over of Australia A's innings, Krishna contacted umpire Gerard Abood to request a change. Despite Krishna's misgivings, Abood gestured for play to proceed.
Former Australian cricketer Rob Quiney, on air, noted that the India A seamer looked “unhappy.”
“They’re talking about a bit of potential mud on the ball; making sure it’s okay to get it out of the seam. I’m not sure if it’s an aesthetics thing,” Quiney suggested.
Krishna's discontent grew worse as the over proceeded. After Marcus Harris, Australia A's top scorer, guarded the ball back to him on the next delivery, Krishna aggressively flung the ball back at Harris, causing two overthrows.
Here is the video: