Broad could be hit with a ban if he transgresses again

Stuart Broad has been fined 50% of his match fee for throwing the ball at Pakistan batsman Zulqarnain Haider during the second Test at Edgbaston.

England seamer Broad hit Haider on the shoulder as England struggled for wickets during the third day.

Haider had earlier survived a concerted caught-behind appeal by Broad and went on to hit 88 in Pakistan's 291-9.

The 24-year-old Broad had pleaded guilty to a charge of "throwing the ball inappropriately".

Broad's guilty plea meant there was no need for Sri Lankan match referee Ranjan Madugalle to hold a full hearing after stumps on Sunday.

"The actions of Stuart Broad were unacceptable," Madugalle said in an International Cricket Council statement issued on Monday.

606: DEBATE Well done Pakistan. They might still lose but they haven't lost easily. They have outscored England and proven that they can get 250 plus Solo443

"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.

"Stuart, by pleading guilty, realised his mistake and I'm sure he will not repeat the same again."

England looked on course to wrap up an innings victory before tea when Pakistan lost their sixth wicket soon after lunch, but Haider's partnerships with Mohammad Amir and Saeed Ajmal gave them a surprise lead of 112 going into day four.

After his throw at Haider, Broad quickly held up his hand in a gesture of apology, but the Pakistan camp did not feel he had done enough.

Pakistan skipper Salman Butt stated: "Cricket is a gentleman's game but I think England got frustrated. The throw was just one thing. There were plenty of words as well, that everyone could see, and people kicking the bowling marks.

"It's just frustration when you have been bowling too long. It's not good to see people throwing balls intentionally at others and not even apologising properly."

England's Graeme Swann, who saw the gloss knocked off his Test-best 6-60 by Haider's runs and Broad's indiscipline, insisted there was "no malice" in the actions of his Nottinghamshire team-mate.

Swann said: "Broady apologised straight away. It was just a sign of the frustrations that were going on."

If Broad transgresses in such a way again, he could be slapped with a one-Test ban.

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