Michael Clarke says ‘interesting’ Jadeja moment was not a good look

India has been pressured to respond to “interesting” vision where a star bowler appeared to carry out an act that has divided the sport.

Michael Clarke has suggested Indian spinner Ravindra Jadeja was doing nothing untoward when “interesting” vision appeared to show him manipulating the ball.

Debate raged on Thursday night after Jadeja was questioned on social media as vision of him holding the ball spread across the internet.

Former Aussie Test captain Tim Paine and former England captain Michael Vaughan were among the leading cricket experts to raise their eyebrows at the vision where the spinner appeared to apply a cream to his hand while he was holding the ball during Australia’s horrible first innings where the tourists were knocked over for 177.

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With Alex Carey and Peter Handscomb at the crease and the Aussies at 5/120, Jadeja came in for his 16th over already sitting with figures of 3/30.

The TV broadcast captured Jadeja appearing to either take something off the hand of one of his teammates, or from inside his hand, with his right hand.

Questions have been asked over what Ravindra Jadeja was doing in this moment.

He then rubbed his hands and finger near and around the ball though it was uncertain what exactly was happening.

When footage of the moment was shared with Paine on Twitter, he replied: “Interesting.”

“What is it he is putting on his spinning finger? Never ever seen this,” England great Michael Vaughan also tweeted.

Interesting

— Tim Paine (@tdpaine36) February 9, 2023

Nothing to see here pic.twitter.com/e2IaYV3B1z

— Julian Timmins (@Mightypumper) February 9, 2023

According to The Age, the ICC is aware of the footage and said the matter would be handled by match officials.

The Indian Express has reported Indian cricket officials have said Jadeja was simply using an ointment on his sore left index finger.

Aussie Test great Clarke also believes the theory that Jadeja would have simply been applying vaseline to protect a damaged finger, but said it was not a good look.

He said on Sky Sports Radio: “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.

“I don’t look at that and think it’s a thing.

India's Ravindra Jadeja celebrates his fifth wicket. Photo by Indranil MUKHERJEE / AFP.

“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.”

His Big Sports Breakfast co-host Gerard Middleton said: “When I first saw the vision I was like what the hell is that”.

Jadeja finished with figures of 5-47 as the Australians were bowled out for 177, with India 1-77 at stumps at the conclusion of day one.