Saturday 26 July 2014 15:57, UK
India captian MS Dhoni has sprung to the defence of all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja as the ongoing row over the confrontation between the India player and James Anderson rumbles on.
Jadeja has been fined 50 per cent of his match fee for his part in the alledged clash with Anderson during the first Test at Trent Bridge, while Anderson will have his case heard next Friday, the day after the scheduled finish of the third Test in Southampton.
The original Level 2 charge against Jadeja was downgraded but match referee David Boon found him guilty of a Level 1 offence under Article 2.1.8 of the ICC’s code of conduct, which relates to 'conduct contrary to the spirit of the game'.
Because the charge was downgraded, Dhoni does not believe that India have a right of appeal under ICC rules, but he is understood to have asked lawyers to look into the matter.
Speaking ahead of the third Test, Dhoni expressed his dissatisfaction with the verdict, telling Sky Sports News: "It's a very hurtful decision for me because I felt a lot of things were neglected in judging the case.
"If you see what exactly happened (in Nottingham) is the umpire called for lunch and we started walking. I wouldn't like to take any other individuals name in this, but there is an individual who has used foul language against Jadeja and I had to step and by that time we had reached the ropes I thought it had diffused.
"But by the time we were going through the members area Jadeja was a couple of yards behind me and again something happened and something was told to him and after that he was pushed; on the basis of that he is fined.
"What we were told is that it is against the spirit of the game and everything but if something says something to you from behind and you turn and look, that is not aggressive, especially as the bat was under his armpit throughout and not one word was spoken by him.
"I don't think there was any aggression and that is why I am hurt by the wording that has been given. I think it is very important."
Dhoni is looking to press home the advantage that India gained from their morale-boosting win at Lord's in the second Test, but is wary of an England backlash.
He said: "We will see what is needed for this Test but you have to remember the phrase 'why mend it if it is not broken'. When you are at the top and you are doing well there are others who are trying to catch up with you. We will have to see how the wicket is and select our team accordingly.
"What really helps is to take one game at a time and don't look to far ahead. We must focus on the basics and that is how we proceed and we must not get ahead of ourselves."
Watch the third Test between England and India at the Ageas Bowl live on Sky Sports 2 from 10am on Sunday.
