India have produced a quality first day of the series against Australia - but there has already been some potential controversy in Nagpur.
The visitors were bowled out for 177 inside the first day, with spin duo Ravindra Jadeja (5/47) and Ravichandran Ashwin (3/42) showing their class and combining for eight wickets.
Marnus Labuschagne scored a gritty 49 while the likes of Alex Carey and Peter Handscomb got off to starts, but the frailties in the Aussie batting lineup were exposed in the tough sub-continent conditions.
But it was a moment during the first day of play that could create some headlines in the coming days, with questions raised over a moment involving Jadeja and a mystery item.
MORE: Australia vs India Day 1 talking points | Zampa set for shock Big Bash trade
Eagle-eyed viewers took to social media to share the moment Jadeja seemingly took something from a teammate, prior to working on the ball before his 16th over began.
Nothing to see here pic.twitter.com/e2IaYV3B1z
— Julian Timmins (@Mightypumper) February 9, 2023
Former Aussie captain Tim Paine described the incident as 'interesting' but wouldn't elaborate on his thoughts.
Interesting
— Tim Paine (@tdpaine36) February 9, 2023
According to ESPNcricnfo, the Indian team management informed ICC match referee Andy Pycroft that Jadeja was applying pain-relief cream to the index finger of his bowling hand.
It is also reported that no charges have been laid against the bowler.
That 𝐌𝐎𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 when @imjadeja let one through Steve Smith's defence! 👌👌
— BCCI (@BCCI) February 9, 2023
Follow the match ▶️ https://t.co/SwTGoyHfZx #TeamIndia | #INDvAUS | @mastercardindia pic.twitter.com/Lj5j7pHZi3
Jadeja was a class above the Aussie batsmen on the opening day of play, and while nobody is accusing him of any wrongdoing at this stage, it certainly raised some eyebrows across the cricket community.
India finished the day on 1/77 in reply, with skipper Rohit Sharma unbeaten on 56* at stumps.
