Hogg, who got off the hook today, had been accused of a Level 3.3 offence for calling Kumble a “bastard” during the controversial Sydney Test. The bowler subsequently apologised to Kumble, and repeated this at Monday’s hearing, and the apology was accepted by the Indian team management.

Explaining the decision to drop the charges, Kumble said: “It was important that the game of cricket moves on. Cricket is larger than any individual. It is important we forget what happened in Sydney, it was just one of those bad moments, just an incident probably in the heat of the moment. And we decided as a team to move on and remove the charges against Brad Hogg.”

Hogg issued a statement thanking the Indian team for its “kind, lovely gesture”. “It’s much appreciated by myself and the Australian cricket team. Hopefully the future contests between India and Australia are good viewing for the spectators and enjoyable for the teams,” he added.

Acknowledging the “wonderful” gesture of the Indian team, Procter said: “I was tendered a letter from the captain and the manager when the hearing started, based on which I declared the case as dismissed.”

Ponting called today’s meeting “productive”.

“I am convinced that both the teams can move into the next game clearly understanding the parameters under which the game should be played,” he said.

One old parameter, however, stands chucked. The fielder-takes-call clause will no longer be applicable for the matches, with the generous Kumble putting his foot firmly down on this matter in light of the Sydney fiascos. The final word, it has been decided, will again be that of the third umpire.