Gambhir chance to play 4th test bright, Justice Sachs to hear appeal

New Delhi, Nov 1 (UNI) The chances of Indian opener Gautam Gambhir playing in the fourth Test against Australia starting on November 6 at Nagpur have brightened.

The ICC today appointed Justice Albie Sachs to hear the appeal of Gambhir against the one test ban slapped on him by match refree Chris Broad.

According to the ICC Code of Conduct regulations, Gambhir may continue to play pending verdict.

The BCCI, however, was hopeful that Gambhir might play in last Test as there are just three days between the third and fourth Test.

''It takes time for an appeal's commisioner to take a decision so Gambhir has every chance to play in the Nagpur Test,'' a team official told UNI here today.

Broad found Gambhir guilty of conduct contrary to the Spirit of Cricket during the third Test against Australia at New Delhi.

Justice Sachs will issue further directions as regards the hearing in due course. The process indicates that the appeal should be heard within seven days of the commissioner being appointed.

Under the provisions of the ICC Code of Conduct, Justice Sachs has the power to increase, decrease, amend or otherwise substitute his own decision from that made at the previous hearing, and his decision is final and binding.

The ICC received official notification of the appeal from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) yesterday and the ICC Head of Legal David Becker appointed Justice Sachs later the same evening in accordance with ICC Code of Conduct processes.

As per ICC rules once Justice Sachs finalises his decision, he must provide it in writing to Mr Becker, who will then forward it to Gambhir, Broad and ICC Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat ahead of any public announcement.

UNI RAR HSB AS1857