'Only cricket illiterates can make such comments' - Salman Butt defends Ravindra Jadeja following viral ointment video

Ravindra Jadeja recently captured a lot of headlines following a video that went viral where he was seen applying something to his fingers on Day 1 of the ongoing the first Test match between India and Australia. The 34-year-old was the star on Day 1 as he dominated the batting line-up of the Aussies by picking up five wickets.

Many opined that the viral video of Jadeja applying ointment to his fingers should be investigated, but it was made clear by skipper Rohit Sharma that the 34-year-old was applying an ointment for soreness. Former Pakistani cricketer Salman Butt also came forward to talk about the situation and has supported Jadeja.

"The Australian media has accused Ravindra Jadeja of tampering with the ball. But what benefit is a spinner going to get from ball tampering? Only cricket illiterates can make such comments," Butt said in a video on his YouTube channel.

Jadeja, who had been away from international cricket for quite some time, is trying to get back to bowling long spells. The 34-year-old had soreness in his fingers after a long spell and was applying pain-relief ointment to it.

Former India coach Ravi Shastri also reflected on the situation. "I have not heard much about it. I have asked two questions. Was there any problem with the Australian team? The answer was 'no'. Did the match referee come into play? He was told about it, he cleared everything, matter ends," Shastri was quoted as saying by India Today.

Shastri also questioned why, if the umpire had given Jadeja a clean chit, the matter was still being debated? He also opined that no ball tampering is needed on the Nagpur pitch as the ball will turn by itself. After impressing with his bowling, the 34-year-old continues to put up an impressive display with his batting.