Dhoni handed one-match ban for slow over rate

India's woes in the ongoing series against Australia compounded with embattled skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni being handed a one-match ban for slow over rate during the Perth Test that rules him out of the fourth and final Test in Adelaide.

Vice-captain Virender Sehwag will lead the side in Dhoni's absence and wicket-keeper Wriddhiman Saha will do the duty behind the stumps in the last Test, beginning January 24.

Dhoni was handed the punishment since this is the second offence within 12 months and according to ICC Code of conduct, a captain of an international side should be suspended for one match if his side is guilty of two minor over-rate offences in the same format over a 12-month period.

The charge was laid by on-field umpires Aleem Dar and Kumar Dharmasena as well as third umpire Paul Reiffel and fourth umpire Mick Martell.

ICC Match Referee Ranjan Madugalle imposed the fines after India was ruled to be two overs short of its target at the end of the match after time allowances had been taken into consideration.

"In accordance with ICC Code of Conduct regulations governing minor over-rate offences, players are fined 10 percent of their match fees for every over their side fails to bowl in the allotted time, with the captain fined double that amount.

"As such, Dhoni was suspended for the next Test match and also fined 40 percent of his match fee while the other players received 20 percent fines," an ICC release said.

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.