James Anderson barred from bowling for third infringement during first innings against Pakistan

James Anderson has been barred from bowling in the ongoing Pakistani batting innings, after having encroached on a forbidden area of the pitch for the third time in the innings. After having had several unofficial warnings from the umpires about the matter, and two official warnings on Day 2, it was third umpire Kumar Dharmasena who made the call. He then relayed the decision to the on-field umpires to take Anderson off the attack. Steven Finn stepped up to finish the over, as Anderson was not allowed to bowl more than a ball of his 30th over.

Anderson had several run-ins with umpires Joel Wilson and Bruce Oxenford the previous day about the matter, something which seemed to have ended when he offered an apology at the end of the day to the umpires for his petulant behaviour.

However, the infringement which finally led to the decision to take him off was very marginal. Not more than a single inch of his boot was on the danger zone, as can be seen from replays. However, the cumulated offence of having had more of his foot in the danger zone can be thought to be sufficient for this step to have been taken.

Rules stipulate that a bowler must not land on the centre of the pitch after his delivery, so that the playing surface does not get damaged over the five days of a Test.

The actual infringement for which James Anderson was ejected from the attack

Anderson was first spoken to by West Indian umpire Joel Wilson during his opening spell on Day 2, and was warned 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 day.

James Anderson is himself the last English player to have suffered the ignominy of being sent off from the bowling attack – during Day 2 of a historic Test against South Africa earlier this year, which England won by 7 wickets on the third day.