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James Anderson "perplexed" by dead-ball call

Anderson
© PA Photos
England bowler James Anderson reveals his frustration and confusion at the umpire's decision to call a dead-ball when Steven Finn appeared to have dismissed Graeme Smith.

England fast-bowler James Anderson has admitted that he and his teammates were left "perplexed" by a dead-ball call given against Steven Finn during day one of the second Test against South Africa.

Finn's delivery was edged to Andrew Strauss by Graeme Smith with the Proteas skipper on just six. However, umpire Steve Davis called a dead-ball after Finn had broken the stumps in his delivery stride.

Smith went on to score 52, helping his side to reach 262-5 at close of play, and Anderson revealed that the decision had been a frustrating one for England.

"It's a frustrating one for us, because [Davis] didn't actually warn us he was going to do it," Anderson said.

"We were slightly perplexed by that, but the batsmen said it was distracting, and they had been in the umpire's ear - and he finally decided he was going to call dead-ball.

"Unfortunately, it was the ball that we managed to get Smith out. There is nothing in the rules that says the umpire can't do that."

South Africa currently lead the series 1-0 after a convincing victory over England in the first Test.

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