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The India A team was left frustrated on Day 2 of the second unofficial Test against Australia A in Melbourne on November 8, as Marcus Harris survived a tight call. The incident occurred when Harris, on 48, faced off-spinner Tanush Kotian.
Kotian, bowling from around the wicket, delivered a classic off-break that drifted in before turning sharply away from the left-hander. The ball ended up in the hands of the first slip fielder, but there was uncertainty over whether it had come off Harris’ bat or his thigh guard. India A players, convinced the ball had edged Harris’ bat, were visibly upset when the umpire chose to make no call, leaving the decision unresolved.
Here is the clip.
“Edge and he’s out. No he’s not! The Indians cannot believe it. Umpire Mike Graham-Smith is unmoved. To the naked eye, it looked like a genuine edge. Harris stood his ground," the commentator said on air.
The first unofficial Test between India A and Australia A was also hit by controversy after an on-field umpire claimed that the India A players changed the condition of the ball insinuating ball tampering.
The match officials changed the ball ahead of the start of play on Day 4 of the series opener and when the Indians protested, umpire Shawn Craig accused the visitors of scratching the ball.
“When you scratch it, we change the ball. No more discussion, let’s play," Craig was heard as saying on the stump microphone.
When Ishan Kishan branded the decision as ‘stupid’, Craig warned him that he will report the Indian wicketkeeper for ‘inappropriate behaviour’.
“You will be on report for dissent, that is very inappropriate behaviour. Because of your actions we changed the ball," Craig said in response.
Australia A won the match by seven wickets to take 1-0 lead in the series.
