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Ravindra Jadeja and India were given a clean chit by match referee Andy Pycroft ahead of the second day’s play in the Nagpur Test against Australia.
Debate sparked on social media after footage was shared on Twitter by an Aussie fan, claiming that Jadeja was applying a substance to his bowling finger to get a better grip on the ball.
Former England cricketer Michael Vaughan also jumped in, questioning what exactly Jadeja was doing.
“What is it he is putting on his spinning finger ? Never ever seen this…” tweeted Vaughan.
What is it he is putting on his spinning finger ? Never ever seen this … #INDvsAUS https://t.co/NBPCjFmq3w
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) February 9, 2023
However, India captain Rohit Sharma had informed match referee Pycroft that Jadeja applied a pain-relieving ointment on his index finger, according to a report in ESPNcricinfo.
Pycroft queried Rohit and Jadeja after watching the controversial footage of an alleged ball-tampering incident.
No charges were levied against Jadeja or the Indian team.
“He probably got a blister or cut on that finger”: Michael Clarke
Former Australian skipper Michael Clarke shared his views on the incident and believed that the Indian all-rounder did nothing wrong. Clarke stated that Jadeja should have given the ball to the on-field umpire before putting the ointment on his finger and avoided any allegations.
“He is bowling so much, so he probably got a blister or cut on that finger. What he should have done there, he should have given the ball to the umpire and stood in front of the umpire while he was putting it on his finger. If he chucks the ball to the umpire and does that, I don’t think there’s any comment made about that. It’s just the perception,” Clarke was quoted as saying on Big Sports Breakfast.
