Broad banned from trying to distract batsmen as he runs into bowl

LONDON - England’s fast bowler Stuart Broad has been banned by World Twenty20 officials from trying to distract batsmen as he runs into bowl. road’s tactic was outlawed, because the umpires and match referees, think it is unacceptable gamesmanship.

He will not be able to use the trick against India at the Brit Oval, a virtual must-win match for England, The Sun reports.

Fast bowler Broad pointed with his left arm and looked towards extra cover during his run-up against South Africa on Thursday, when England were crushed by seven wickets. He also used the ploy during England’s warm-up games.

“The match officials have met and decided Broad’s action is inappropriate. He has been asked not to do it again,” an ICC spokesman revealed.

The decision came after South African captain Graeme Smith called on the ICC to clarify whether Broad’s tactic should be made illegal.

“We saw it happen from the dugout. I don’t know what the rules stipulate, whether it’s in the spirit of the game is a tough one,” Smith said.

England team director Andy Flower insisted that South Africa should not complain, because they started it.

“I remember Shaun Pollock doing it a few years ago. He didn’t point to the left as Stuart did but he looked to the left as he was running in. He was probably the first guy I saw do it, which is interesting.

“It’s up to South Africa if they want to make an issue of it and it’s up to the ICC to comment. I don’t think it’s a huge issue to be honest,” Flower said.

The game’s laws state that players must uphold the spirit of cricket and many believe Broad’s trick is unfair. (ANI)