Related Links : Australia in India 2008/09 | 3rd Test Scorecard | Gautam Gambhir | Shane Watson
India’s hero of the ongoing Kotla Test Match – Gautam Gambhir has been given a one-test ban by the ICC Match Referee Chris Broad on Friday. Gambhir had elbowed into Watson’s body during the first day’s play after he was provoked by the bowler. Shane Watson had escaped with a very light 10% fine from his match fees. The incident happened during the 51st over of the Indian innings when Gambhir was in the middle of taking two runs that Watson had lifted his right hand up and seemed as if he had something to mutter. Gambhir while turning back for the second run patted his elbow in the chest of Watson to express his displeasure.
Gautam Gambhir had addressed the press after the first day’s play stating that he had only accidentally elbowed Watson. Gambhir went onto tell during the press conference that as the Aussies were not able to get him out, they showed their frustration by constant and unnecessary provocation. Gambhir also was mouthed by Simon Katich after a running mix up with Laxman during the first day. Gautam Gambhir is now most likely to miss the fourth test at Nagpur. He does have an opportunity to make an appeal within 24 hours which the BCCI has already done on his behalf. It is Level 2 offence that has been rapped on Gambhir after he had pleaded guilty of the same. India has always had its share of problems with Chris Broad, who has a history of being harsh on sub continent players. During the last test at Mohali, Zaheer Khan was fined 80% of his match fees for sending off Matthew Hayden in an unsportive manner near the boundary.