NEW DELHI, Oct 30: Indian opening batsman Gautam Gambhir and Australian all-rounder Shane Watson have been summoned for a disciplinary hearing after the two clashed on the opening day of the third Test here on Wednesday.

The two would appear before the International Cricket Council (ICC) Match Referee, Chris Broad, to face charges under the code of conduct rules after the second day’s play on Thursday, an ICC statement said.

Opening batsman Gambhir elbowed Watson as he took a run after the bowler gestured and appeared to say something to him before the tea interval on the first day on Wednesday. The 27-year-old batsman faces the more serious charge (C1, level 2) under 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”.

If found guilty, Gambhir could be fined between 50 percent to his entire match fee and/or banned for one Test or two One-day Internationals, the release said.

Watson has been charged under the same clause but for a lesser offence, the penalties for which range from an official reprimand and/or a fine of up to 50 percent of his match fee.

The charges were laid by on-field umpires Billy Bowden and Aleem Dar as well as third umpire Suresh Shastri, it said.

Gambhir made a chanceless 149 not out on the opening day — and was dismissed for 206 on Thursday — but also marred his effort by exchanging words with occasional bowler Simon Katich.—Reuters