Aussie cricket star slams sport’s bosses as he airs conspiracy theory about the first big scandal of the summer

Former Test opener Ed Cowan has called out Cricket Australia’s response to the ball-tampering controversy in last week’s India A game, with his thoughts on the saga echoing those of former teammate David Warner.

Speaking about the ABC Tribune Cricket PodcastCowan said referee Shawn Craig – who felt the Indian fielders scratched the ball during the match in Mackay – was ‘hung out to dry’ by CA to make the scandal go away.

‘He [Craig] has had no support from his employer. He saw something on the field and, using his best judgment, he tried to correct it,” Cowan said.

“Then Cricket Australia discovered they have a problem… similar to every other time India is disadvantaged, they threatened to maybe cancel a tour.

“Part of me thinks if this wasn’t India, there would be a very different reaction.

“If that was Pakistan A, or England A, or even a Shield game, the reaction would be completely different and for me that’s the wrong approach.

“I think it’s up to Cricket Australia to clarify this, and it’s probably imperative for the BCCI as well [Board of Control for Cricket in India] to clarify this.’

Cowan wasn’t done with his statement: “You can’t choose when integrity matters…it always matters.”

Cricket great Ian Healy declared 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 (pictured, in black trousers) accused India A of ‘scratching’ the ball and also told the touring team: ‘Because of your actions we have switched the ball’

His comments come after cricket great Ian Healy explosively stated that India A were ‘onto something’ in 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 further strained when he declared he was convinced Cricket Australia was ‘destroying’ 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].’

Like former teammate Ed Cowan, David Warner declared his belief that Cricket Australia would ‘crush it as quickly as possible as India come 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: ‘Your actions caused us to mix up 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.