The Australian media accused Jadeja of foul play based on a short video clip posted on social media.
Despite being out of action for close to six months due to knee surgery, Jadeja looked in great rhythm as 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.
Amid the outrage, a report published in ESPNcricinfo stated that the Indian team management has informed ICC match referee Andy Pycroft that Jadeja was using pain-relieving cream on his spinning finger.
As per the report, immediately after play ended on Day 1, Jadeja along with Indian captain Rohit Sharma and the team manager, were shown a video clip of Jadeja's actions. Pycroft, apparently, just wanted to just inform the Indian team about the incident and no charge has been laid against Jadeja.
In a video doing rounds on social media, Jadeja was seen taking a substance off the back of Mohammed Siraj's palm and rubbing it on his bowling finger.
At the time of the incident, the left-arm spinner had already dismissed Steven Smith, Matt Renshaw, and Marnus Labuschagne, leaving Australia in tatters at 120/5.
Although the event sparked a debate on social media and in the news, the report suggested that the Australian team did not bring the issue to the match referee's attention.
As per the playing conditions, the match referee may independently investigate such incidents depending on the circumstances without requiring a complaint to be made. Moreover, to ensure that the condition of the ball is not impacted, the bowler is required by the Laws of Cricket to seek the umpire's approval before applying any kind of material on their hands.
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 along with nightwatchman R Ashwin (0*).
(With ESPNcricinfo Inputs)