15 July,2014 10:59 PM IST | | Agencies
James Anderson and Ravindra Jadeja thrust into centre of row between ECB and BCCI, with the ICC confirming the England bowler has been charged for allegedly pushing and abusing the India all-rounder
England fast bowler James Anderson was on Tuesday charged for allegedly abusing and pushing Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja immediately after they left the field for lunch on the second day of the first cricket Test last week.
Anderson has been charged under Level 3 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel by India team manager Sunil Dev following the alleged incident that took place on the second day of the match at Trent Bridge last Thursday.
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If proved guilty, Anderson will face a ban of two to four Tests and four to eight ODIs.
In return the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has pledged to make a complaint about Jadeja's actions.
England's James Anderson (C) celebrates with team-mates after taking the wicket of India's Ravindra Jadeja on the final day of the first Test match between England and India at Trent Bridge in Nottingham, England last week. Pic/AFP
The alleged offence has been reported under Article 2.3.3 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which states: "Where the facts of the alleged incident are not adequately or clearly covered by any of the above offences, conduct that either: (a) is contrary to the spirit of the game; or (b) brings the game into disrepute".
According to an ICC statement, it is alleged that this was a continuation of a verbal altercation between Anderson and Jadeja as they were walking from the field.
Level 3 charges are referred to a Judicial Commissioner for adjudication. As such, where required under Article 5.2 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support
Personnel, the ICC will appoint a Judicial Commissioner who will hold a hearing as soon as reasonably practicable, the statement further said.
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All Level 3 breaches carry a penalty of between four and eight suspension points. Two suspension points equates to a ban of one Test, or two ODIs, depending on which type of match is scheduled next for the suspended player.
ECB, meanwhile, has asserted that they will contest the misconduct accusations against James Anderson.
"The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has today reacted with surprise that the India team has made allegations against James Anderson under Level 3 of the ICC Code of Conduct for a minor incident involving Ravindra Jadeja during the first Investec Test match at Trent Bridge," the ECB said in a statement.
"In the light of this the ECB has notified the ICC of its intention to lodge code of conduct breaches against Jadeja.
"James Anderson categorically denies the accusations made against him and the ECB has pledged their total support for the player should he be charged by ICC."
The second test of the five-match series starts on Thursday at Lord's.
