James Anderson issues apology for his on-field behaviour with the umpires
After a rather annoying day on the field, England fast bowler James Anderson has issued an apology to the umpires and has admitted that he was well over the line and his behaviour was "petulant" and "unacceptable".
Anderson was visibly annoyed with the umpires, more so with Australian umpire Bruce Oxenford after he was warned twice for running on the pitch. According to the rules, Anderson can be now be removed from the attack if he encroaches on the danger area once more in the innings.
Although this apology might not be sufficient to avoid a fine, as the umpires will report his behaviour to match referee Richie Richardson.
Anderson was first spoken to by West Indian umpire Joel Wilson during his opening spell and warned him for running on the pitch. However, the fast bowler dismissed him with a waft of his hand. He then switched to the other end, but soon had an altercation with Bruce Oxenford after the Australian umpire too warned him for encroaching on the 'danger area' on the pitch. Anderson responded by flicking his cap and sweater from the Australian, who soon issued him two official warnings for stepping on the danger area on the pitch.
“Having seen my reaction on the TV it does not look great when I am pointing at the pitch. I don’t think it was what I said to the umpires but the way I behaved. That competitive edge has helped me through my career. I know at times I can get close to that line. I try and control it but at the same time, I don’t want to lose my competitive edge. It is a balancing act", Anderson said after the match.
This was not an isolated incident of Anderson having lost his cool on the cricket field. He has had issues with players and officials earlier too. His altercation with Ravindra Jadeja during the 2014 Trent Bridge Test match was also put under scrutiny. Apart from this, Anderson has been taken off the attack for running on the pitch earlier too, in a match against South Africa in Johannesburg.