England Bowler James Anderson Facing Ban After Pushing Ravindra Jadeja

England bowler James Anderson could face a lengthy ban from cricket after being charged by the International Cricket Council for allegedly pushing India all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja during the first Test at Trent Bridge.

The 31 year old has been accused under Level 3 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel after an off-the-field confrontation with Jadeja on day two of the draw in Nottingham.

Anderson faces an ICC hearing "as soon as reasonably practicable" and if found guilty could be given as many as eight suspension points, which equates to missing four Test matches or eight one-day internationals.

The Lancashire seamer is available for the second Test at Lord's starting on Thursday but could have his case heard in the five-day period before the third match at the Ageas Bowl which would jepordise his participation in the remainder of the series.

The England and Wales Cricket board are expected to make a counter claim against Jadeja, who exchanged heated words with Anderson during the first day of the first Test, which could however extend the process.

With the five Tests taking place across just six weeks, the ICC could be forced to delay the hearing until after the series, which could see Anderson miss all five one-day internationals as well as the one off T20 match in September.

The ban could even stretch into the beginning of the seven-match one-day series against Sri Lanka starting in November should the ICC throw the book at Anderson.