Former Australia captain Michael Clarke has shared his opinion on the Ravindra Jadeja controversy that erupted on day 1 of the ongoing first Test between India and Australia which is being played at the VCA Stadium in Jamtha, Nagpur.
Jadeja, who picked 5/47 to help India bundle Australia out for 177 in their first innings, was captured by broadcaster’s camera applying something to his bowling finger and the video of the same went viral with several former cricketers questioning Jadeja’s intentions.
In the video, Jadeja can be seen taking something from Siraj's palms on his right hand and applying it to his left index finger. At no point did he apply anything to the ball but he did have it in his hands at that moment.
According to reports, match referee Andy Pycroft met with India captain Rohit Sharma and bowler Jadeja, along with the team manager at the end of the day's play and showed them the viral video. Rohit and the Indian team management said it was a pain relief ointment that Jadeja applied on his fingers.
The match referee didn’t push any charges on the Indian spinner, and there was no official complaint by the Australian team.
Reacting to the incident, former Australia captain Michael Clarke said Jadeja should have given the ball to the umpire while applying the ointment.
“He’s bowling so much so he’s 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 stand in front of the umpire while he was putting it on his finger,” Clarke said on the Big Sports Breakfast.
As per the rules regarding playing conditions, a player must inform the umpire before applying anything on his body parts to make sure it does not have any sort of impact on the condition of the ball.
“I don’t look at that and think it’s a thing. I just wish he didn’t have the ball in his hand. 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. I don’t think there’s anything to it. I could be 100 per cent wrong," Clarke added.
Earlier, Tim Paine had reacted by saying ‘interesting’ to the video, while Michael Vaughan had tweeted that he has never seen something like that on the cricket field.
