England fast bowler James Anderson has been charged under Level 3 of the ICC Code of Conduct for allegedly "abusing and pushing Ravindra Jadeja" on the second day of the first Investec Test at Trent Bridge.
Anderson faces a ban of at least two Tests if he is found guilty as the minimum sanction for a Level 3 violation is four suspension points and two equates to missing one Test. He now faces a hearing which, according to the ICC code, needs to take place within 14 days.
The complaint was not brought by the umpires but by the India team manager, Sunil Dev, who told ESPNcricinfo he lodged the complaint only after confirming the incident with India captain MS Dhoni, other players and coach Duncan Fletcher. Players from both sides could be called to give evidence at the hearing.
"Mahi [Dhoni] and everyone complained that he [Anderson] physically touched him [Jadeja] and pushed him. It was all over the dressing room," Dev said. "It is serious matter only because you can't push anybody. So I put in a complaint with the match referee."
The ECB reacted with surprise and anger that India had reported Anderson for what they described as a "minor incident" in a press release. In retaliation, the ECB notified its intention of lodging a complaint against Jadeja as well.
"James Anderson categorically denies the accusations made against him and the ECB have pledged their total support for the player should he be charged," the board said.
Though Dev did not respond to the ECB reaction, another India team official said had it actually been a minor incident, it would not have warranted a complaint.
The alleged incident took place after the players left the field for lunch on the second day and that it was reportedly a continuation of a verbal altercation between Anderson and Jadeja as they were walking off.
Anderson was Man of the Match in the first Test after scoring 81, a maiden professional half-century, at No. 11 as part of the world record final-wicket stand 198 with Joe Root which took England from a position where they were in danger of losing the Test to one where they were able to put India under pressure on the final day.
During India's second innings Anderson had Jadeja caught behind shortly after lunch on the final day, his fourth and last wicket for a match which was back-breaking work for the pace bowlers.
There has been debate about whether Jadeja will keep his place for the Lord's Test ahead of offspinner R Ashwin, after going wicketless in 35 overs at Trent Bridge, although indications are that India could remain unchanged, which means he and Anderson will be head-to-head again in the middle.
Anderson was charged under Article 2.3.3, 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.
"Level 3 charges are referred to a Judicial Commissioner for adjudication," the ICC continued. "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. These details will be announced in due course.
"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."
(ESPN)
