Stuart Broad has been asked by the ICC not to repeat his attempt to distract the batsman.

Broad did that during England's crushing ICC World Twenty20 defeat against South Africa.

Watch the highlights of the ENG-SA match

Nottinghamshire seamer Broad stoked up a debate within cricket by attempting to unsettle AB de Villiers in the 16th over of South Africa's reply as they closed in on a seven-wicket triumph over England at Trent Bridge on on Thursday.

As Broad ran in to bowl, he threw his left arm out in his delivery stride as if he was pointing at a fielder but the tactic failed to work with De Villiers working the ball behind square without difficulty.

His actions led to South Africa approaching the ICC, the world's governing body, for clarification and following a meeting today between match referee Alan Hurst and umpires Steve Davis and Alan Hill they decided it was "not an appropriate action."

Photogallery: ENG-SA match

Friday's decision follows England's attempt to downplay the controversy after captain Paul Collingwood dismissed it as the way Twenty20 cricket is evolving, while coach Andy Flower claimed former South African all-rounder Shaun Pollock had begun the practice some years ago.

"I remember Shaun Pollock doing that a few years ago," said Flower. "He didn't point to the left as Stuart did but he looked to the left as he was running in.

"He was probably the first guy I saw do it, which is interesting. I don't think it's a huge issue, to be honest."

Neither umpire took action during the game although Law 42.4 of the Laws of Cricket states: "It is unfair for any member of the fielding side deliberately to attempt to distract the striker while he is preparing to receive or receiving a delivery."

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