Broad escapes fine by apologising instantly

Dhaka: Sorry might be the hardest word, but not if it stops you getting fined a chunk of your match fee.

After breaking the International Cricket Council's code of conduct, by celebrating a wicket before it had been given out on the final day of the first Test against Bangladesh, Stuart Broad immediately apologised to umpire Rod Tucker and thus spared himself a visit to the cashpoint.

The batsman in question was Abdur Razzak. Graeme Swann had just dismissed the adhesive Mushfiqur Rahim and was sniffing imminent victory when Broad got one to reverse-swing from around the wicket to take Razzak lbw.

It was stone dead and Tucker had little hesitation in giving it out.

But bowlers are meant to direct their appeal to the umpire, rather than carry on their merry way, and then delay any celebration until the finger is raised, Broad failed to do that.

"I obviously got a bit carried away and I said sorry to the umpire straight away," Broad said Wednesday.

"He accepted my apology and just laughed it off. He knew it had been a frustrating morning for us."

Censure

A feisty cricketer, Broad has come close to censure several times though never to the point of being punished.

Unlike South Africa's Charl Langeveldt, who was fined 20 per cent of his match fee the first time and 75 per cent the second.

New Zealand's Kyle Mills has also added to the ICC coffers. Broad was not the only one whose on-field behaviour was questioned during the Test.

Graeme Swann sent Junaid Siddique on his way with a few choice words, though like Broad he was quick to show contrition, something no doubt easier to do when you are taking so many wickets.