India cricket star sparks 'cheating' debate as Vaughan weighs in on row

09 February 2023 , 14:20

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Ravindra Jadeja took 5-47 on day one of the first Test between India and Australia in Nagpur (Image: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

India spinner Ravindra Jadeja has sparked debate after a clip was shared on social media, appearing to show him applying something to his finger, with the likes of Tim Paine and Michael Vaughan questioning what he was doing.

Jadeja picked up 5-47 on day one of the first Test between India and Australia in Nagpur as the visitors were skittled for just 177. And during the 16th over of his spell, an Australian fan spotted Jadeja approaching teammate Mohammed Siraj and appearing to take something off his hand.

The 34-year-old then seems to rub it onto his spinning finger, with the fan asking former Australia captain Paine for his thoughts on the matter. "Interesting," was Paine's reply.

Ex-England skipper Vaughan also weighed in, questioning what exactly Jadeja was doing. He tweeted: "What is it he is putting on his spinning finger ? Never ever seen this …"

Neither side has suggested foul play and Jadeja was not asked about it in his press conference following the day's play. Indian journalist Vikrant Gupta, meanwhile, claimed Jadeja was simply 'applying pain-relieving ointment' to his finger.

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Despite the controversy, it was a dream return to action for Jadeja, who had only played one Ranji Trophy game for Saurashtra ahead of the series having undergone knee surgery after the Asia Cup in August last year.

"Very happy with the way I was bowling," Jadeja told reporters after India reached 77-1 in response to Autralia's first innings total of 177. "I was enjoying my bowling.

Michael Vaughan has discussed the incident (Visionhaus/Getty Images)

"Playing after five months, playing Test cricket, it's tough. I was prepared for it and I was working hard on my fitness as well on my skills at the NCA.

"I played a first-class game after a long time and I bowled almost 42 overs. It gave me a lot of confidence to come here and play a Test match."

Matthew Cooper