As visuals of Ravindra Jadeja applying some solution on his left index finger on the opening day of the first Test against Australia surfaced on social media, former Australia captain Tim Paine called it “interesting” leading to debates on Australian media as to what the Indian spinner was doing. However, putting all theories to rest, sources in the know told The Indian Express that Jadeja was just applying an “ointment for callus finger”.
Although the visuals raised eye-brows, sources in the know revealed that it is common practice and it is allowed in ICC’s playing conditions.
It is understood that the activity didn’t come to the suspicion of the match officials. It is understood that certain batsmen even use gripping cream between overs to keep their hands moisture and it is totally allowed by the ICC.
Interesting
— Tim Paine (@tdpaine36) February 9, 2023
“What do you think of this @tdpaine36 Looks like one player giving grippo to the bowler and him rubbing it all over his spinning finger to me. Thoughts?” wrote a Twitter user to which Paine responded in one word.
In case of bowlers, some of the spinners who return to action after a long period, may face tender issues in their index finger and to avoid the cracks, use the cream.
In a footage, shared on twitter, Jadeja is seen taking something from Mohammed Siraj’s hand and applying it on his left index finger. The cameras then displayed the all-rounder seemingly rubbing it on his bowling finger for a short period while being in discussion with captain Rohit Sharma. In this case, Siraj had the ointment on his finger and Jadeja scooped it onto his fingers.
“What do you think of this @tdpaine36 Looks like one player giving grippo to the bowler and him rubbing it all over his spinning finger to me. Thoughts?” wrote a Twitter user @dags_L to which Paine responded, “interesting.” Soon, the former England captain Michael Vaughan tweeted: ‘What is it he is putting on his spinning finger ? Never ever seen this …’
What is it he is putting on his spinning finger ? Never ever seen this … #INDvsAUS https://t.co/NBPCjFmq3w
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) February 9, 2023
Playing a Test for India for the first time since July 2022 and making his comeback to international cricket following a knee injury, Jadeja finished with figures of 22-8-47-5 as Australia were bowled out for 177.
Jadeja was the pick of the Indian bowlers accounting for the key wickets of Marnus Labuchagne and Steve Smith in the second session, which led to a collapse.
The all-rounder mixed his stock ball, turning away from the right hander and odd one, going straight to dismiss the likes of Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne on his way to picking a fifer, inspiring a first day-third session collapse of Australia.
India finished the day at 77/1, trailing behind by 100 runs going into day two.