JOIN USIndian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni wasn’t scathing or even revealing about what transpired between Ravindra Jadeja and James Anderson on the second day of the first Test at Trent Bridge that started a train of events, forcing the Indians to press for a Level 3 charge against the English pacer.
Indians had approached the ICC directly on Friday; a day after the alleged incident took place, bypassing the match officials, complaining about Anderson “abusing and pushing” Jadeja. However, Dhoni didn’t really remain behind the curtains of diplomacy either, stating categorically that Indians didn’t start the row.
“It’s not something that we have done. Let’s realise the fact. Like in a press conference you can ask me tough questions. I have the right to answer them or not to answer them, but in no way I can come and touch you, or you can come and touch me. There are certain things that need to be followed, and it should be followed,” said Dhoni on Wednesday.
Emphasising the point, Dhoni said, “We talk a lot about the spirit of cricket. There have been a few individuals from our side too in the past who have crossed the line. You can be aggressive, you can be vocal, but there are certain guidelines that are laid out and we should follow that.”
The Jharkhand man has insisted that Jadeja, and the Indian team in general, has dealt with the issue in the right way. “Usually we have been at the receiving end a lot of times where somebody starts something and we retaliate and get fined or different kinds of offences are leveled against us.
“It was good on Jadeja’s part to not really do something. It could have gone a bit far. But I felt he addressed this in the most appropriate manner. That’s something we will have to learn and move forward. Someone has to back off at the right time. At the end of the day we play sport and lot of people look up to us, and there is a lot of responsibility on us,” noted Dhoni.
When asked whether the incident would affect the relations between the sides, Dhoni said it would require a collective effort to play the remainder of the series in the right spirit without sacrificing the competitive edge. “Definitely, I would like to make sure the remainder of the series is played in the right spirit, but at the same time it is not docile.
We want players to be aggressive, and say a few things. But at the same time it is very important to not flow with it and cross the boundaries. I think it is our responsibility to play the game in the right spirit.”
Level 2 charge against Jadeja
Reacting to India’s complaint on Jimmy Anderson, England has charged Ravindra Jadeja under Level 2 of the ICC Code of Conduct, which pertains to violating the spirit of the game or bringing the game into disrepute.
England alleged that after the players left the public area, Jadeja turned suddenly and took steps towards Anderson in an aggressive and threatening manner. Level 2 breaches carry a fine of between 50-100 per cent of match fee and/or a ban of one Test or two ODIs.