Dhoni gets 1-Test ban for slow over rate

Perth: Perth: India skipper MS Dhoni's woes fail to cease in Australia as after a dismal run with the bat, he has been handed a one-Test ban for maintaining slow over-rate in the third Test here, which India lost on the third day by an innings and 37 runs.

Dhoni received the ban after breaching the law for the second time within 12 months.

The ban comes into immediate effect, which means India will not have the service of their regular skipper in the fourth and final Test of the series against Australia at Adelaide, starting January 24. In that event, vice-captain Virender Sehwag, who too has had a dismal run with the bat in Australia, will lead the team.

India have lost the first three Tests of the four-match series against Australia.

Dhoni was fined 40 per cent of his match fee and the rest of the Indian team 20 per cent for falling two overs short in the Australian first innings.

Ranjan Madugalle, chief ICC Match Referee, imposed the fines after the charges against India were laid by the two match umpires, Aleem Dar and Kumar Dharmasena.

The offence is contrary to Article 2.5.1 of the Code which relates to over-rate offences. Dhoni pleaded guilty to the charge and the subsequent penalties were accepted both by Dhoni and India.

India, who have already lost the four-Test series 3-0, will try to save face in Adelaide by avoiding a second consecutive whitewash overseas after losing the Test series to England 4-0 earlier this year.

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