Johnson, Stokes cleared by ICC after Ashes clash

Australia paceman Mitchell Johnson and England all-rounder Ben Stokes have been found not guilty of breaching the code of conduct despite clashing during the second Ashes Test, the International Cricket Council (ICC) said on Monday.

The pair collided after a heated exchange on Sunday during the fourth day's play and were charged by the on-field umpires.

Both players had pleaded not guilty and match referee Jeff Crowe cleared them of the charges following separate hearings.

"I am satisfied in respect of both players that their physical contact was not deliberate," Crowe said in a statement. "Both players, however, could have done more to avoid each other and they have been so counselled.

"We do not condone physical contact, but recognise that on occasions such contact could be accidental."

Australia won the second Test by 218 runs on Monday to take a 2-0 lead in the five-match Ashes series.

-Scorecard

-Australia whip England in second Ashes Test by 218 runs

Image:Australia's Mitchell Johnson (left) and England's Ben Stokes collide

Photograph: David Gray/Reuters