Australia vs India: ACA concerned over use of stump microphones

The ongoing four-match Test series between Australia and India have been a witness to some awe-inspiring cricket thus far. However, apart from that, there has also been some on-field banters ever since the opening Test at Adelaide Oval. 21-year-old wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant, being a chirpy character, was heard chirping away constantly at batsman Pat Cummins from behind the wickets.

Even as the conversation was friendly, the second Test at new Perth Stadium saw quite a few altercations in the field between skippers Tim Paine and Virat Kohli that made the headlines. Moreover, the stump microphones caught their conversations, which sparked controversies. In the meantime, the Australian Cricketers’ Association (ACA) has expressed concerns over the use of stump mic.

We don’t want players to be slapped with fines

ACA chief Alistair Nicholson clearly mentioned that he wouldn’t want players receiving any sanctions due to the stump mic. “I wouldn’t say we’re not happy. (Players are) aware things can potentially unintentionally be picked up – whether it’s accidental swearing or things like that,” Nicholson was quoted as saying by Melbourne-based radio station ‘SEN’.

ACA also said that it is not against the use of stump microphones, but wants clarity over its usage. “We’re conscious we don’t necessarily want players to be slapped with code-of-conduct fines when they really are working as hard as they can to bring that element of the game through that we’ve never had. It’s more caution than negativity but very much wanting to embrace it,” he added.

Even during the ongoing Test at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Paine was captured by the microphone saying that if Rohit Sharma hits a six, then he would support Mumbai Indians (MI) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). As far as the match is concerned, India are leading 346 runs at the close of play on the third day. Virat Kohli and Co also have five wickets remaining in the second innings.

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