James Anderson apologises for ‘petulant’ behaviour towards umpires on frustrating day for England against Pakistan at Edgbaston

JAMES ANDERSON apologised to both umpires for his “petulant” behaviour during a day of huge frustration and sloppiness for England.

Anderson admitted he overstepped the line of acceptable conduct when officials Joel Wilson and Bruce Oxenford warned him for running on the danger area of the pitch.

After taking a wicket with his fourth delivery of day two in the Second Test, Anderson gradually turned into a cursing, chuntering ball of fury as Pakistan’s batsmen refused to budge.

Anderson admitted: “It was a frustrating day and I had a bad half-hour when I let things get to me. I’ve apologised to both umpires because my behaviour wasn’t acceptable. It was a bit petulant.

“Having seen my reaction on the TV, it doesn’t look great when I’m pointing at the pitch. I don’t think it was necessarily what I said, it was the just the way I behaved.

“A competitive edge has helped me through my career. At times, I can get close to that line and I try to control it but at the same time I don’t want to lose that edge. It’s a balancing act.”

Anderson’s anger summed up a chastening day for England as Pakistan lost three wickets in 90 overs and reached 257-3 – just 40 runs behind.