India A's practice match against Australia A was marred by a massive controversy after India A were accused of ball-tampering. Ahead of the final day's play, Indian players were seen questioning umpire Shawn Craig about the ball change. The team was handed a fresh ball to resume proceedings as they stepped out to defend 224. The umpire confirmed the ball was changed as the officials believed the scratch marks were intentionally made on the ball, leaving Indian players stunned. Ishan Kishan was miffed with the decision and called the move "stupid" after which Shawn warned him for "inappropriate behaviour".
Cricket Australia later issued a statement and cleared India of ball-tampering. The board confirmed the ball was changed due to deterioration and captains and managers of both teams were informed about the same before the start of play. The board confirmed there will be no further actions taken in the matter.
Despite Cricket Australia's clarification, former Australia cricketer Ian Healy feels Indian players "were up to something" with the ball. Healy also questioned India's move to snub the post-match press conference after the controversy.
“When you see a team complain about a ball being changed, they were up to something,” Healy said on SENQ.
“India A were gearing up for a big reverse swing session in order to get the Australians under pressure. Australia were 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,” he added.
"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 were clinical, the umpires were good. If they are suspicious about the ball, just change it," he said.
Led by captain Nathan McSweeney’s unbeaten 88, Australia A cruised to a comfortable win in the opening fixture.