Anderson and Jadeja cleared
ENGLAND’s James Anderson and India’s Ravindra Jadeja were both found not guilty yesterday of breaching the International Cricket Council’s code of conduct, the global governing body announced.
Lancashire paceman Anderson, who had been at risk of being banned from the remainder of the England-India test series, is now free to play in both the final two tests.
Jadeja, meanwhile, had his previously imposed 50% match fee fine rescinded.
India charged Anderson and England counter-charged all-rounder Jadeja under the ICC code regarding an incident that took place during the lunch break on the second day of the drawn first test at Trent Bridge on July 10.
Anderson and Jadeja, batting at the time, were seen exchanging words as the players left the field during the lunch break on the second day of the first test.
It was then alleged that this had escalated into a more serious disagreement, beyond public view, when the players reached the privacy of the pavilion.
Yesterday’s hearing, presided over by Gordon Lewis, a retired Australian judge, saw Jadeja appealing against a Level One fine under the ICC code imposed by match referee David Boon, the former Australia batsman.
The more serious Level Three charges being brought by India against Anderson for allegedly “abusing and pushing” Jadeja were being heard for the first time.
“His Honour Gordon Lewis, the judicial commissioner, has found both England’s James Anderson and Ravindra Jadeja of India not guilty of breaching the ICC code of conduct,” an ICC statement issued after the hearing said.
England will be hugely relieved that fast-medium bowler Anderson, their series-leading wicket-taker, has been cleared to play in the final two tests. – AFP