• Home
  • Player Stories
  • Salman Butt Hits Out At Aussie Media For Ball Tampering Allegations Against Ravindra Jadeja

Salman Butt defends Ravindra Jadeja over ball-tampering allegations

image-ldy8g3ykRavindra Jadeja with Rohit Sharma [Source: AP]

Several Australian media outlets have been maligning the reputation of Indian cricketer Ravindra Jadeja, alleging that he engaged in unsportsmanlike behaviour by using an external substance on his fingers in the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Nagpur.

This baseless claim has elicited a fierce backlash from the cricketing community, with fans and experts rallying to defend Jadeja's integrity. 

Former Pakistani cricketer Salman Butt recently joined the fray, denouncing the Australian media for their baseless allegations.

He pointed out that using an external substance would have little to no effect on the performance of a spinner, as fast bowlers typically use ball tampering to achieve reverse swing.

The former Pakistan opener went on to say that only those who lack basic knowledge of the sport could make such unfounded accusations.

"The Australian media is accusing Ravindra Jadeja of ball-tampering. They should be asked what benefit could a spinner possibly gain from tampering with the ball? Only those who lack basic knowledge of the sport would make such comments."

It is worth mentioning that Jadeja had recently returned to the sport after a five-month absence and may have been experiencing some discomfort in his fingers due to the physical demands of his role as a bowler. 

In fact, he was simply applying a pain-relief ointment to alleviate his symptoms, which is perfectly within the rules and regulations of the game.

Coming to Jadeja’s performance after a long injury layoff, the southpaw proved to be a force to be reckoned with, as he took a commanding five-wicket haul and played a pivotal role in helping India bowl out Australia's team for a mere 177 runs in 63.5 overs. 

Jadeja's superb display on the field was underlined by his ability to pick pivotal wickets, including the dismissal of prominent players such as Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Matt Renshaw, and Peter Handscomb.