Former Pakistan international Basit Ali has accused Australia of engaging in ball tampering during Day 2 of the World Test Championship final against India. Basit, aged 52, highlighted that the Dukes ball typically does not exhibit reverse swing until around 40 overs, yet the Pat Cummins-led team managed to achieve reverse swing after just 15 overs. This advantage led to the dismissal of Cheteshwar Pujara and Virat Kohli. Basit expressed his disappointment with the umpires and commentators for failing to detect Australia’s ball-tampering technique, as he proceeded to elucidate the entire process.
Basit Ali said:
“Firstly, I would clap for those watching the match from commentary box, and the umpires. Australia clearly played with the ball and no one is talking about it. No batter is wondering ‘What is happening?’ The biggest example is batters getting bowled while leaving the ball.”
How is no-one noticing it: Basit Ali
“Let me give you the evidence too. Until the 54th over when Shami was bowling, the shine was on the outside and the ball moved back into Steve Smith. This is not called reverse swing. Reverse swing is when the shine is on the inside and the ball comes back in,”
Basit Ali continued.
“Look at the 16th, 17th and 18th over, the ball on which Virat Kohli got out… look at the shine. Mitchell Starc had the ball in his hand with the shiny end pointing outside but the ball was moving the other way. Jadeja was hitting the ball on the on-side and the ball was flying over point. Have the umpires gone blind? God knows who all are sitting there who can’t see such a simple thing,”
he further added.
After the conclusion of Day 2 in the WTC final, Australia maintains control. With impressive centuries from Travis Head and Steve Smith, Australia amassed 469 runs in the first innings. Additionally, their bowlers showcased brilliance. In contrast, India stands at 151/5 and must stage a substantial comeback to exert pressure on Australia on Day 3.
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