The tension between India and England prevailed ahead of the fourth Test match, starting 7 August at Old Trafford, as reports have surfaced that Mahendra Singh Dhoni has told James Anderson not be seen around the Indian dressing room.
According to the Mirror, Dhoni told Anderson that if he went near the Indian dressing room he would "squeeze the life out of him". Anderson also sledged the Indian skipper at the Trent Bridge Test and allegedly called him a "f***ing fat c***".
The altercation between Anderson and Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja made plenty of headlines in the ongoing five-match Test series. However, both players were released by the judicial commissioner Gordon Lewis without any sanctions because of lack of evidence.
But as Lewis' detailed report is coming out, the words used during the infamous altercation are coming as a shocker. The English speedster continuously sledged Jadeja and allegedly called him a "f***ing c***" and a "f***ing p***k" and during the hearing did not contest these charges.
Anderson also allegedly pushed Jadeja on the narrow corridor leading to the dressing room, following the sledging and threatened the Indian all-rounder of breaking his teeth. The Indian team management lodged the complaint against the seamer, after the heated exchange of words.
Indian team is clearly not happy with the let off and is mounting pressure on International Cricket Council's CEO Dave Richardson to contest the verdict. One of the Indian officials told to Wisden India that the judgement is not right and ICC has a lot to answer in this case.
"And it sets a very bad example," the official said. "There were a series of errors. The level of abuse has been ridiculous and the ICC have a lot to answer for. What example does it set for kids and others watching? It sends the message that it is OK to abuse and push and you'll still go scot-free."
There are clear question marks on how the incident has been handled as Anderson did not contest the abusing charges and on-field umpire Bruce Oxenford also mentioned in his statement that the English seamer was continuously using the inappropriate words.
"The umpire (Bruce Oxenford) has mentioned in his witness statement that Anderson used the 'f' and 'c' words repeatedly," he added. "Why haven't the officials reported him to the ICC? If they have, why has no action been taken?"
It will be interesting to see whether Anderson will be able to control his emotions in the fourth Test at Manchester, as despite being under scrutiny he exchanged few words with Ajinkya Rahane in last match.
While Anderson is England's leading wicket-taker in cricket, and is well on course of overtaking Sir Ian Botham as the leading Test wicket-taker, he has troubles keeping his on-field emotions in check.
