Nagpur Test: Jadeja got punishment for applying ointment on his fingers

Digital Desk: On February 11, the International Cricket Council fined Ravindra Jadeja 25% of his match fee and docked him 1 demerit point for using the cream on his finger while bowling in the first of a four-match Test series against Australia. The match referee, however, concluded that the cream was applied for medical reasons only and that it was not an attempt to use artificial material to change the ball's condition (ball tampering).

According to the ICC, Ravindra Jadeja was fined and a demerit point because he applied cream to his finger without asking the on-field umpires' permission. Jadeja was accused of violating the ICC Code of Conduct at Level 1.

The management of the India squad had stated that the finger spinner was using the lotion to treat swelling on his bowling hand's index finger. Notably, Jadeja was taking part in his debut Test match after missing nearly 6 months due to a knee injury.

The ICC stated in a release that Ravindra Jadeja had violated Article 2.20 of the Code of Behaviour for Players and Player Support Personnel, which deals with conduct that is against the spirit of the game.

The governing body continued, "Jadeja acknowledged the offence, and no formal hearing was required."

NOT BALL-TAMPERING

"The Match Referee was convinced that the cream was administered to the finger entirely for medical reasons when he decided to sanction the player along with the Level 1 sanction he imposed.

The ICC added, "The cream was not put as an artificial substance to the ball and, as a result, it did not modify the state of the ball, which would have been a violation of clause 41.3 of the ICC playing conditions - Unfair Play - The Match Ball - Changing its Condition."

The management of the Indian squad, according to insiders, was unhappy with the way the Australian media was.