Tension builds up ahead of Lord's Test

London: Ahead of the Lord's Test beginning here on Thursday, an atmosphere of confrontation was building up between the cricket teams of India and England with the hosts filing a counter-charge against Ravindra Jadeja whose complaint has led to English fast bowler James Anderson being accused of violating the ICC Code Of Conduct.

According to British media, England has filed a level 2 charge against Jadeja, who, if found guilty, could be banned for one Test or two ODIs and docked 100 percent of his match fee.

England's retaliation came a day after Anderson was accused of allegedly "abusing and pushing" Jadeja during the first cricket Test at Trent Bridge.

Anderson has been charged under Level 3 of ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel by India team manager Sunil Dev following the alleged incident that took place on the second day of the match last Thursday.

If proved guilty, Anderson will face a ban of two to four Tests or four to eight ODIs.

England captain Alastair Cook said that the counter-charge has been filed against Jadeja.

"I didn't see the incident to be honest. We had a discussion with (coach) Peter Moores and Jimmy, and we spoke to the hierarchy at the ECB as well. Yes, there has been a counter charge levelled against Jadeja," Cook said.

Cook hit back at India for accusing Anderson of physical altercation with Jadeja and claimed that targetting their pace spearhead ahead of the second Test was a "tactical" move by the visitors.

"Yes I think so. This is tactical from India. This is where all of this has come from. We are surprised it has come to a situation like this to be honest. Level 3 charge is very surprising. It is also possibly because of his competitive streak and it should be about just one incident.

"After hearing Jimmy's version, it is a mountain out of a molehill to be honest," he added.

The raging controversy gained further momentum with India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni hitting out at the English fast bowler, stating that he was the one who crossed the line.

"It is not something that we have done. Let's realise this fact," Dhoni said.