Jadeja ran through the Australian batting line-up on Day 1 of the Nagpur Test.
Despite being out of action for close to six months due to knee surgery, Jadeja didn’t struggle to find his rhythm. He returned with a five-wicket haul (5/47), helping India bundle out the visitors for just 177 in the first innings.
However, the Australian media found a way to demean Jadeja’s performance, accusing him of foul play based on a short video clip posted on social media.
Fox Cricket claimed Jadeja was applying an ‘interesting substance’ on his bowling finger during the first day’s play.
The allegation was also fuelled by former Australia skipper Tim Paine and ex-England cricketer Michael Vaughan.
Amid the outrage, a report published in Cricketnext has stated that the ‘substance’ was an ointment for Jadeja's sore finger. Since the all-rounder was out of action for a considerable period, he was not used to such a heavy workload. On Day 1 in Nagpur, he bowled 22 overs.
Coming to the match, India ended the opening day on 77/1, trailing Australia by 100 runs. While KL Rahul was dismissed for 20, skipper Rohit Sharma stayed unbeaten on 56.
R Ashwin arrived in the middle as a nightwatchman after Rahul’s dismissal and remained not out on zero after playing five balls.