Former India coach Ravi Shastri has come in support of Ravindra Jadeja after a controversy erupted after he was seen applying an ointment on his finger on Day 1 of the first match of the Border-Gavaskar series at the VCA Stadium in Nagpur.
New Delhi,UPDATED: Feb 10, 2023 11:02 IST
Shastri comes in support of Ravindra Jadeja (AP)
By India Today Web Desk: Former India coach Ravi Shastri has come in support of Ravindra Jadeja after a controversy erupted after he was seen applying an ointment on his finger on Day 1 of the first match of the Border-Gavaskar series at the VCA Stadium in Nagpur.
The left-arm spinner was applying an ointment for soreness on his finger, and is very much within the rules of the game. Jadeja has been away from cricket for almost five months and hasn’t been used to bowling long spells for some time. On Thursday, he bowled 22 overs and had soreness in his fingers, which is why he was applying pain-relief ointment.
Earlier, Australian media outlet FOX Cricket brought up the incident on Twitter, saying a debate has erupted after a questionable moment was spotted in the India-Australia match.
Former England captain Michael Vaughan reacted to the incident, saying he has never seen this before.
“What is it he is putting on his spinning finger? Never ever seen this,тАЭ Vaughan posted on Twitter.
Former Australia skipper Tim Paina also reacted to the controversy, calling it interesting.
Reacting to the talk around the ointment controversy, Shastri said the incident was cleared by the match referee, adding that Jadeja doesnтАЩt need anything on this track as the ball will turn.
тАЬI 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,тАЭ Shastri said.
Jadeja was given a clean chit later by match referee Andy Pycroft after reviewing the situation.
