Michael Clarke weighs-in on controversial Ravi Jadeja incident

Former Australian captain Michael Clarke has defended Ravi Jadeja after controversial footage emerged of the spinner using a substance on his finger on day 1 of the first Test. Jadeja returned to Test cricket after a five month injury lay-off and proved why he is one of the world's premier spinners having ripped through the Australian batting line-up.

Jadeja's return to international cricket proved the key, starring with figures of 5-47 to put India in the box seat after a commanding opening day of the Border-Gavaskar series. However, viewers were left baffled over footage that showed an the interaction between Jadeja and teammate Mohammed Siraj.

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Broadcast vision captured Jadeja taking something out of Siraj's hand on Thursday. After the exchange with Siraj, Jadeja then rubbed his hands and left index finger around the ball with an unidentified substance.

Several Indian media reports have said the substance was an ointment Jadeja was applying to a sore finger. India Today reporter Rahul Rawat reported that since Jadeja has been out of the game for five months with an injury, he was applying pain-relief ointment.

This appeared to be backed up after ESPN CricInfo reported that Jadeja told the umpires about the ointment after being shown footage of the incident by ICC referee Andy Pycroft. Australia reportedly haven't lodged a complaint.

And former Australian captain Clarke has weighed-in on the debate. Clarke, who was named the player of the series against India in 2011, said it wasn't great timing for Jadeja to use the ointment with the ball hand. However, he defended the spinner and said there was no issue with the incident.

“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,” Clarke said on the Big Sports Breakfast.

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

The footage of Jadeja immediately caused a stir and when it was put to former Australian Test captain Paine, he labelled the interaction as 'interesting'. Former England Test captain Michael Vaughan also weighed-in on the debate. "What is it he is putting on his spinning finger? Never ever seen this ...."

Australia struggle against India's spin attack

After electing to bat first on a turning pitch at VCA Stadium, Pat Cummins' team were skittled for 177 in 64 overs, before India raced to 1-76 at stumps. India captain Rohit Sharma (56 no) belted Cummins for 13 runs off the first over in an ominous start to the home side's innings.

Cummins and Scott Boland, in his first Test outside of Australia, are the visitors' only quicks as selectors opted to pick debutant spinner Todd Murphy (1-13) to partner star veteran Nathan Lyon.

Young Victorian Murphy, who is Australia's 465th Test player, claimed his maiden international wicket just before stumps, hanging onto a catch off his own bowling to dismiss KL Rahul (20).

with AAP

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