(Image source from: Was India justified in complaining against Jimmy Anderson?})

England's cricketer Jimmy Anderson has been charged under level 3 of the code of conduct by the International Cricket Council (ICC). Anderson has been charged with allegedly "abusing and pushing Ravindra Jadeja" last week in Nottingham, during the opening match of the Test series.

As the prospect of a ban hang over Anderson, after a formal complaint from India, it could lead to soured relations between the two sides. Anderson was named Man of the Match in the test for his all-round performance.

India's team manager Sunil Dev reported the matter to ICC, alleging Anderson of abusive behaviour on the second day of the match.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) have dubbed the Anderson issue as a "minor incident". They expressed "surprise" at India's complaint while backing their senior player.

A hearing would be held and if found guilty, Anderson could be banned for at least two test matches. ICC is yet be announce the date of hearing.

This is not the first time that India and England have their horns locked in Trent Bridge.

The recent Trent Bridge spat between India and England comes after a month following ICC's restructuring. The that has forces from India and England boards, along with Australia, join forces to overhaul the sport's governing body was overhauled by the cricket boards of India, England and Australia for a greater share of revenue.

In 2011 a major dispute was averted at Trent Bridge the last time India toured England. Ian Bellwas was contentiously run out just at the stroke of tea. He left the crease assuming the ball to be dead.

However, the tension was diffused by Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni. England captain Andrew Strauss and coach Andy Flower approached Dhoni during tea break and he withdrew the appeal. Bell was allowed to bat again after the tea break.

In 2008, India's Harbhajan Singh was imposed with a ban for three tests. He was charged with racially abusing Australian player Andrew Symonds. Later, on appeal, the penalty was reduced to a fine. However, the incident escalated to the 'monkeygate' scandal and India threatened to discontinue the tour.

Again in 2007, Trent Bridge saw the jelly bean controversy.

So the Jimmy Anderson incident is not the first controverst between India and England. Hopefully the ICC and the two cricket boards will reach an amicable solution.

(AW: Pratima Tigga)