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Anderson charged by ICC over 'abuse'

James Anderson has emerged as the subject of a charge that came out of the blue © Getty Images

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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 Test at Trent Bridge. The complaint was not brought by the umpires but by the India team manager Sunil Dev.

The ECB reacted with surprise that India had reported Anderson for what they described as a "minor incident" in a press release. 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.

The ICC said the incident allegedly 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 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". If found guilty, Anderson's suspension could range between two Tests or four ODIs and four Tests or eight ODIs.

"Level 3 charges are referred to a Judicial Commissioner for adjudication," the ICC said. "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."

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