Aussie cricket great levels stunning accusation at Indian stars – as David Warner voices his conspiracy theory
- Ian Healy believes India A were ‘onto something’ in the tour match
- Tourists seethed after accusations of ball tampering
- Retired batsman David Warner then weighed in on the matter
Cricket great Ian Healy has explosively stated that India A were ‘up to something’ following allegations of ball tampering during their recent tour match against Australia A in Mackay.
Former Aussie opening batsman David Warner then ensured relations between the two leading cricketing nations are likely to be tense when he declared he was convinced Cricket Australia had ‘squashed it’. [accusation] as soon as they could as India is coming here this summer.”
It comes after Warner, 38, was banned for 12 months after encouraging then-teammate Cameron Bancroft to use sandpaper in an attempt to change the movement of the ball during a fiery Test against South Africa in 2018.
Former skipper Steve Smith was also given a 12-month ban, while Bancroft was sidelined for nine months.
Wicketkeeping legend Healy was unconvinced by India A’s behavior on the Great Barrier Reef Arena pitch on SEN Radio.
“If you see a team complaining about a ball being changed, they were on to something,” he said bluntly.
‘India A were gearing up for a big reverse-swing session to put pressure on the Australians.
“Australia A were chasing a small total and it just didn’t happen [for India A].’
Cricket great Ian Healy has explosively stated that India A were ‘up to something’ following allegations of ball tampering during their recent tour match against Australia A in Mackay
In tense scenes on the fourth matchday, referee Shawn Craig accused India A of ‘scratching’ the ball and also told the touring team: ‘Because of your actions we have switched the ball’
David Warner then ensured that relations between the two cricketing nations are likely to be tense this summer when he stated that he was confident that Cricket Australia has ‘crushed it as quickly as possible given that India are coming here this summer ‘.
In tense scenes on the fourth matchday, referee Shawn Craig accused India A of ‘scratching’ the ball and also told the touring team: ‘Because of your actions we have switched the ball.’
Craig did not specify how he thought India had scratched the ball, and the tourists were not awarded a five-point penalty.
India A players were seething at Craig, while wicketkeeper Ishan Kishan reported for dissent.
The tourists – and Kishan – were later cleared by Cricket Australia, which released a statement on the matter.
“The ball used in the fourth innings of the match was changed due to deterioration,” a spokesperson said.
The captain and manager of ‘both teams’ were informed of the decision before the start of the game. No further action will be taken.”
The first Test between Australia and India starts on November 22 in Perth.