Stuart Broad fined as http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Pakistan-c755 fight back at Edgbaston
Stuart Broad has been fined half his match fee for throwing the ball at Pakistan batsman Zulqarnain Haider as the visitors frustrated England in the Edgbaston Test.
Haider, who with a little help from the umpire Decision Review System survived an lbw appeal that would have seen the Test debutant dismissed for http://www.senore.com/Cricket/A-King-c41197 pair, went on to make 88 and play a pivotal role in his side’s second innings fight back after they at one stage languished at 5-82.
The wicketkeeper formed an important 52-run partnership with Mohammad Amir and another with Saeed Ajmal – this one lasting for 115 runs – as Pakistan reached 291-9 at stumps and a 112-run lead over England.
It was at the end of the 63rd over that Broad made what has proved to be a costly mistake when he dangerously threw the ball at Haider, who had not moved from his position at the other end of the pitch.
"The actions of Stuart Broad were unacceptable. I understand the frustrations of a bowler in the heat of the moment but as an international sportsman one needs to control these emotions whatever may be the situation and always respect the opponent,” said match referee Ranjan Madugalle of his decision to fine the fiery fast bowler for his actions.
Broad will need to chalk this one up to a lesson learned ahead of the Ashes, where the pressure is only set to increase on the 24-year-old and his teammates – picture Ricky Ponting and his team at the MCG on Boxing Day with a possible crowd in excess of 90,000 and most of them partisan Aussies and you’ve got some idea of the conditions awaiting Broad when he heads Down Under.
While England still find themselves with some work to do on day four of the current Test if they are to secure a 2-0 series lead, Graeme Swann had something to smile about as he left the ground at the end of day three with career-best Test figures of 6-60, including one from what the off-spinner described as “the best ball I have ever bowled” to take out Imran Farhat.
“You are not going to pitch too many outside leg that hit off," Swann said of the ball that, in what has become a habit for the 31-year-old, rewarded him with a wicket in the first over of his spell.
Umar Gul (unbeaten on nine) and Mohammad Asif (13 not out) will take up the challenge of adding to England’s frustrations when play recommences on day four today.
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