Ravindra Jadeja was accused of four play by the Australian media and Michael Vaughan.
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 target Jadeja, accusing him of foul play based on a short video clip shared on social media. In the viral video, the all-rounder can be seen taking a substance off the back of Mohammed Siraj's palm and rubbing it on his bowling finger.
The allegation was further fuelled by former England skipper Michael Vaughan, who questioned what Jadeja applied to his finger.
Amid the debate, former India head coach Ravi Shastri on Friday (February 10) gave a blunt reaction before revealing that Jadeja was applying an ointment on his spinning finger.
“I have not heard much about it. I have asked two questions. Was there any problem with the Australian team? The answer was 'no'. Did the match referee come into play? He was told about it, he cleared everything, matter ends. Why are we discussing anybody else? And to be honest, ointment as a reliever, the match referee would have been told if there was any decision to be taken or action, he would have taken it. By the way, on this track, you don't need anything, the ball will turn,” Shastri said on Star Sports when asked about Vaughan's reaction.
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.
Rohit continued his brilliance on the second day as well. The Indian captain was on 85 not out along with Virat Kohli (12*), taking the hosts to 151/3 at Lunch on Day 2.