Cook backs Anderson to carry on with 'aggressive ways' despite Jadeja controversy

England captain Alastair Cook has backed bowler James Anderson to carry on with his aggressive ways and said that the squad does not want to be too 'nicey-nicey'.

The International Cricket Council confirmed that they would not appeal against the decision to clear Anderson over claims that he pushed and abused Jadeja after both were seen to exchange words on the second day of the first Test on July 10 as the players left the field at lunch. India had alleged that the quarrel had escalated into a physical confrontation inside the pavilion.

But Lewis, a retired Australian judge, found Anderson not guilty of a Level Three offence of abusing and pushing Jadeja, who had a fine for a less serious Level One offence cancelled, Sport24 reported.

Cook said that they know every time that one puts on the shirt as an England player or any international the player becomes a role model for young kids. He added that England also wants to play competitive cricket, they don't want it to be too nicey-nicey.

The skipper said that there is always that muddied line, and added that there is little bits where Anderson might have overstepped the mark occasionally throughout his career, but one would rather him be on the line than too passive.

Anderson could have faced a ban for up to four Test matches if he had been found guilty. But the ICC's decision not to appeal against Lewis's findings means that he is now free to concentrate on the fourth Test at his home ground of Old Trafford in Manchester, which will start on Thursday, with the five-match series currently tied at 1-1.

Cook said that it is great that this is now behind him, as Anderson gets to play in a home Test match. The skipper said that he feels that was what the biggest concern was that he would not get to play at Old Trafford.