Dhoni risks ban for slow Indian over-rates

Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni is facing the danger of a one-match ban unless his side manage to increase their over-rate following slow bowling during England's first innings in the opening cricket Test.

India recorded an over-rate of 13 overs per hour instead of the required 15, according to a report in the tabloid Daily Express.

The ICC code of conduct states that the captain of any team which is found guilty of bowling slow over-rates on three occasions in a 12-month period will face a one-match suspension.

India had failed to maintain the required over-rate during January's third Test against South Africa and the recent match against the West Indies in Barbados.

Even if Dhoni escapes punishment at Lord's here, the threat will remain throughout the England Test series, the report said.