Gambhir, Watson to face ICC hearing

New Delhi:

Indian opener Gautam Gambhir and Australian all rounder Shane Watson have been charged with violating the spirit of cricket under the ICC Code of Conduct.

Both the players exchanged some heated words on the opening day of the Test in New Delhi during the 51st over when Gambhir was trying to take a single off Watson bowling.

"Gambhir has been charged under clause C1 Level 2 of the code which states that players 'shall at all times conduct play within the spirit of the game as well as within the Laws of Cricket'.

"Watson has been charged under the same clause, C1, but as a Level 1 offence, " an ICC press release said.

"The hearing will take place after the second day's play," the release added.

Match referee Chris Broad will conduct the hearing.

The charges were laid by on-field umpires Billy Bowden and Aleem Dar and third umpire Suresh Shastri of the Emirates International Panel.

Level 2 penalties range from a fine of between 50 per cent of the players match fee up to 100 per cent and/or a ban of one Test or two ODIs.

Level 1 penalties range from an official reprimand and/or a fine of up to 50 per cent of the players match fee.