‘Squashed it as fast as they could’: David Warner calls for India ball-tampering probe

  • Retired opener wants Cricket Australia to explain investigation
  • Umpire claimed ‘scratch’ on ball in tour match against Australia A

David Warner has accused Cricket Australia of sweeping the India A ball-tampering accusation under the carpet, suggesting officials had quickly “squashed” the issue before the Test summer.

Warner officially declared closure on his own ball-tampering scandal on Wednesday, after being announced as the Sydney Thunder’s new BBL captain. The 38-year-old’s appointment comes just a fortnight after his lifetime leadership ban was lifted, removing the last remaining sanction from Australia’s 2018 ball-tampering saga.

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Nathan McSweeney edges closer to Test debut with first audition as opener

  • Australia A captain batted at No 4 in first tour match against India
  • Marcus Harris named to open ahead of Cam Bancroft and Sam Konstas

In-form Nathan McSweeney has one foot in the Test team after being confirmed as opener for the final Australia A game. The South Australia captain was the only contender for the vacant batting spot in Australia’s top six to fire in last week’s win against India A in Mackay.

McSweeney top-scored twice in the game, including hitting an unbeaten 88 in the second innings as Australia A sealed a seven-wicket victory over India A. The 25-year-old batted at No 4 in both innings of that match but has been promoted to open with Marcus Harris in the four-day match at the MCG starting on Thursday.

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