Timeline of James Anderson-Ravindra Jadeja controversy
England cricketer James Anderson has been charged for a Level 3 offence for breaching the Code of Conduct on day 2 of the first Test match against India at Nottingham. The pacer was accused for 'pushing and abusing' India’s Ravindra Jadeja when the players were leaving the field for lunch.
Here is the whole compilation of the controversy (with details from ESPN Cricinfo):
10 July, Thursday
Day 2 of the first Test: Jadeja joined Mahendra Singh Dhoni at the crease after Murali Vijay was adjudged leg-before off Anderson. Straightaway he started to target the off-spinner Moeen Ali at the other end. Two sixes and a boundary helped Jadeja to 16 from 9 deliveries.
Over 116 – Ball 4: Jadeja was the striker facing Anderson for the first time in the match. The left-hander after blocking the previous ball (115.3), nudged the delivery to the leg side for a single. Anderson was seen speaking to Jadeja on his way to his run-up to which Jadeja returned a smile. The Indian all-rounder scored a boundary on the last ball of the over through the fine leg region.
Over 118 – Ball 1: Jadeja was facing the last over before lunch. England players collectively and convincingly appealed on Andersen’s first delivery for caught behind. The replays suggested there was very minimal chances of a nick and Sourav Ganguly who was commentating, too, echoed similar views. The bowler after giving a long stare to the left-hander had a word with Dhoni when he walked back to continue the over.
Final ball before lunch: 4 singles were scored after that and Jadeja safely saw through the last ball of the session. Anderson said something to the Indian captain when he took back his kit from the umpire to which Bruce Oxenford didn’t react much.
The Walk: Indian duo started to walk back to the pavilion. Anderson had a long conversation with the Indian captain when they made their way out of the field and both the batsmen were seen smiling during the period. Anderson didn’t fail in joining the England team to applaud the Indians for a good first session after the chat.
Behind the scenes: There is no footage to confirm what happened afterwards, but according to reports Anderson is said to have pushed Jadeja with his hands.
11 July, Friday – Day 3: It is said that ICC was made aware of the incident by the Indian team management, accusing the 31-year-old Anderson for his actions. It is also learnt that an ICC lawyer’s efforts to settle the matter smoothly failed.
13 July, Sunday – Day 5: India let England know of the Level 3 charge.
15 July, Tuesday: Formal complaint was laid to the ICC.
Indian team manager Sunil Dev said: “Mahi [Dhoni] and everyone complained that he [Anderson] physically touched him [Jadeja] and pushed him. It was all over the dressing room. It is serious matter only because you can't push anybody. So I put in a complaint with the match referee.”
As the Level 3 offences are beyond the powers of match referee, hence, it was reported to the ICC.
ECB calling the incident as a ‘minor’ one, is fully behind Anderson. It is revealed that the English pacer has accused Jadeja, claiming that the Indian 'moved towards him in a threatening manner' for which the ECB is indicating a counter complaint against the 25-year-old.
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said: “James Anderson categorically denies the accusations made against him and the ECB have pledged their total support for the player should he be charged by ICC. Under ICC Code of Conduct regulations the ECB cannot make any further comment and enquiries should be directed to the ICC in Dubai.”
Article 2.3.3 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. 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 equate to a ban of one Test, or two ODIs, depending on which type of match is scheduled next for the suspended player."
Hearing date: Within 14 days of the complaint.
Punishment (if found guilty): 4 to 8 suspension points. 2 suspension points equate to a one Test ban or a ban for two ODIs, depending on the player’s upcoming fixtures.
Minimum: 1 Test/2 ODIs
Maximum: 4 Tests/8 ODIs
Both Anderson and Jadeja are expected to play in the next match at Lord’s on Thursday.
The investigations are unlikely to be completed by the end of the third Test.