David Warner airs explosive theory after India caught in ball-tampering storm in Australia
The recently retired batter didn't hold back on Cricket Australia.
David Warner has called for a follow up to the India A controversy over accusations of ball tampering after a little swipe at Cricket Australia. India A were dragged into an ugly controversy last week in their loss to Australia A after the umpires changed the ball before play on day four due to a scratch on the Kookaburra.
After the game, India A were cleared of ball-tampering and face no further sanctions. This was despite umpire Shawn Craig taking a critical view of the situation over India A's handling of the red ball throughout the innings.
"When you scratch it, we change the ball. No more discussion, let's play," the stump microphone picked up Craig telling the visitors. India A surrounded the officials to complain about the decision. Craig then warned Ishan Kishan he could face further sanction after telling officials it was a "stupid decision".
India A didn't face the media after the loss, but a Cricket Australia spokesperson quickly confirmed no action would be taken: "The ball used in the fourth innings of the match was changed due to deterioration."
"Both teams' captain and manager were informed of the decision prior to the start of play. No further action is being taken."
Ian Healy was critical of the controversy and questioned why India A didn't face the media to defend themselves. And after Warner was announced as the Thunder's new captain in the Big Bash League, he questioned why the controversy was so quickly deescalated.
Speaking on Wednesday, Warner claimed Cricket Australia may have 'squashed' the incident to avoid controversy ahead of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. "They have obviously squashed it as fast as they could, given that India is coming out here this summer," Warner said.
"But if the umpires deemed something happened, I am sure there will be a follow up. I think the umpires or the match referee should be standing here answering questions."
David Warner doubled down on his claim when asked if it was irrelevant India were coming out for five Tests this summer: "That's what I am saying".
"I think the match referee should be coming out and addressing his own staff, which are the umpires. And if they're sticking by the umpire's decisions, you have to stand up for that. That's obviously a statement CA have to release. I have not seen anything." Regardless of Warner's claim, Cricket Australia have claimed the correct process was followed in the wake of the India A match.
David Warner named as Thunder captain
Warner's gripe with the India A incident comes after he was announced as the Sydney Thunder captain on Wednesday only a fortnight after his leadership ban was overturned. The other week, Warner's sanction from Australia's 2018 ball-tampering saga was removed.
Warner and then-captain Steve Smith were banned from all international and Australian domestic cricket for a year after the Cape Town incident. Former Australian batter Cameron Bancroft was handed a nine-month suspension.
However, Warner was also given a leadership ban for Australia and wasn't able to captain a team. This was overturned the other week and Warner has been swiftly handed the captaincy of the Sydney Thunder.