ICC referee charges ‘Bad boy’ Broad for hurling ball at Pak keeper

EDGBASTON - International Cricket Council (ICC) match referee Ranjan Madugalle has charged England fast bowler Stuart Broad for deliberately hurling the ball at Pakistan wicketkeeper-batsman Zulqarnain Haider and hurting him on his shoulder.

Haider was just 18 runs into his 88-run knock when the incident occurred. Broad had already been showing some signs of simmering fury when was denied an appeal for a caught behind was also guilty of blatantly ignoring the umpire when appealing for another caught behind early in the day.

Broad was hauled in front of Madugalle after play and faces either a one-match ban or a fine of 50 per cent of his match fee, the Daily Express reports.

While the Pakistan players were convinced Broad’s throw was deliberate, England teammate Graeme Swann was happy to give his pal the benefit of the doubt.

Pakistan skipper Salman Butt said: “It is not good to see players throwing balls intentionally at others and not excusing themselves properly. Cricket is a gentleman’s game but I think they got frustrated. The throw was just one thing - there were plenty of words said, too.”

Swann said: “Knowing Broady as I do, he didn’t have any malice in it. He apologised right away. It was just a sign of frustration.”

Haider has led an incredible turnaround, which has so far brought 191 runs for the final four wickets. On his Test debut, he was given out for his second first-ball duck of the match, but escaped a king pair courtesy of the TV replay.

He went on to score 88 and Pakistan will resume this morning with 291-9 - a lead of 112 - and with a flicker of pulling off something miraculous. (ANI)