Hills To Die On

Exploring why the ball tampering allegation didn’t combust

To use the prevailing communications nomenclature, this week has been “issues rich” for Cricket Australia. The bare facts: a televised allegation of Indian ball tampering by a home umpire, followed by a televised threat to report dissent, ensuing BCCI intervention, and – just generally – David Warner’s involvement. The optic: a locked off camera at Great Barrier Reef Stadium screening an irate home umpire surrounded by visibly frustrated Indians, captured in glorious 720p and high-fidelity stump mic audio. “You scratch it, we change it,” declares Umpire Shawn Craig. Here we go. “That’s a very stupid decision,” responds Ishan Kishan, the fixture’s highest profile player, walking away as Craig retaliates, “…excuse me, you’ll be on report for dissent!” This was content.