Controversy marred Indian spinner Ravindra Jadeja’s sensational comeback after he was spotted rubbing a mysterious substance on the ball on Thursday in the first Test against Australia.
Jaega, who picked up a five-wicket haul on the opening day of the Nagpur Test, was accused of ball tampering after his ‘mysterious’ rubbing video went viral.
The video captured Jadeja taking something off the hand of his teammate Mohammad Siraj with his right hand. He then rubbed his hands and finger near and around the ball though it was uncertain what exactly was happening.
This is absolutely shocking!
Jadeja is quite clearly applying a magic potion to his finger here, which has tricked the Australian's into forgetting they can use their bats.
12 month ban. Now. #AUSvINDpic.twitter.com/dukRDR1sni
— The Cricket Podcast (@TheCricketPod) February 9, 2023
The incident took place in the 46th over of the innings when Australia were batting at 120/5 with Alex Carry and Peter Handscomb at the crease.
A debate has been triggered about alleged tampering by Jadeja since the video went viral on social media.
“Interesting.” replied former Australian captain Tim Paine when the video was shared with him on Twitter.
Interesting
— Tim Paine (@tdpaine36) February 9, 2023
Similarly former England captain Michael Vaughan tweeted: “What is it he is putting on his spinning finger? Never ever seen this”
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
Meanwhile, the Indian team denied the accusations and insisted that it was pain-relief cream that Jadeja was applying to the index finger of his bowling hand.
According to ESPNCricinfo, Jadeja along with India captain Rohit Sharma and the team manager were shown the video clip by the match referee Andy Pycroft after the day ended. However, no charge had been laid against Jadeja.
