Anderson, Jadeja found not guilty of breaching ICC code of conduct

Veteran England pacer James Anderson and Indian all rounder Ravindra Jadeja have been found not guilty of breaching the International Cricket Council (ICC) code of conduct.

Seamer Anderson had been awarded a level three misconduct charge over claims that he abused and pushed Jadeja during the first Test at Trent Bridge, while the Indian spinner was appealing against a fine imposed for his part in the incident last month.

Anderson could have faced a maximum four-Test ban if found guilty. But, both Jadeja and Anderson were cleared soon after the conclusion of a six-hour hearing overseen via videoconference by judicial commissioner Gordon Lewis, who is based in Australia, The BBC reported.

Lewis heard accounts from witnesses, including India and England players, who were cross-examined by legal counsel.

Anderson is now available to play in the fourth Test at his home ground Old Trafford, starting on 7 August, the final match at The Oval, and the five-match one-day series that follows.

Jadeja had originally been fined 50% of his match fee when his case was heard before the start of the third Test, with match referee David Boon downgrading the offence to a level one infringement.

Anderson reportedly denied India's claims over the dispute, which is said to have taken place as the teams left the field for lunch on day two at Nottingham.

Anderson was also involved in a verbal argument with India batsman Ajinkya Rahane at the end of the fourth day's play in Southampton, before umpire Rod Tucker stepped in to tell both players to calm down, the report added.