IND vs AUS: India's Ravindra Jadeja has been handed a penalty for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct as India defeated Australia in the first Test in Nagpur. Rohit Sharma's men outclassed the Australian side by a big margin of an innings and 132 to go 1-0 up in the series. However, their star all-rounder Jadeja, who was adjudged as Player of the match has been sanctioned by ICC.
Ravindra Jadeja has been fined 25 per cent of his match fee for breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct. He was found to have breached Article 2.20 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel. This relates to displaying conduct that is contrary to the spirit of the game. The incident happened in the first innings of Australia's batting as Jadeja was seen applying soothing cream to his index finger. Jadeja took the substance from Mohammed Siraj's palm and appeared to rub this onto the index finger of his left hand.
Also, Jadeja has been handed one demerit point. Notably, the Indian team management had explained the matter and stated that the left-arm spinner was applying the cream to a swelling on the index finger of his bowling hand. However, this was done without the umpires' permission. Jadeja has admitted the offence and accepted the sanction proposed by the referee. Moreover, the referee was also satisfied that the cream was applied to his finger for medical reasons and it was not applied to the ball, due to which the condition of the ball did not change. Had this breach happened the spinner might have breached clause 41.3 of the ICC playing conditions – Unfair Play – The Match Ball – Changing its Condition.
India defeated Australia by innings and 132 runs as the team displayed a perfect outing with both bat and ball. After getting the Aussies for 177, India made a massive 400, riding on a ton from Rohit Sharma and half-tons from Jadeja and Axar Patel. India led by 223 and then cleaned Australia in just one session on Day 3 to go 1-0 up in the series.
