Steven Smith Dismissal Triggers Debate on Channel Nine's Live Mike Chat
Steven Smith was answering questions from broadcasters while batting in the first Twenty20 international against India in Adelaide and his dismissal has opened up a debate on the use of live chatting by Broadcasters.
Australian Television Broadcaster Channel Nine's use of the on-field mike chat has come under fire following Australian batsman Steven Smith's dismissal just after a live conversation with commentators during the first Twenty20 International against India in Adelaide.
Smith was answering questions from broadcast commentators while he was in the middle of a 188-run chase with skipper Aaron Finch and soon got out after speaking.
Looking to work away Ravindra Jadeja's left-arm spin, Smith was caught by Virat Kohli for 21 with the Indian star making a 'chatter box' gesture at the Australian Test captain.
While Kohli's gesture suggested that he wasn't impressed with Smith's chatter, even fans seemed to believe that the live mike chat led to the Australian batsman's dismissal as the hosts lost the match by 37 runs.
Social media was abuzz with reactions to Smith's chat and his dismissal thereafter, with even analysts saying that the technology has done more harm than good to the player's concentration.
Warner Defends Mike-Chat Technology
Meanwhile, Australian opener David Warner has defended Channel Nine's use of mike-chat technology, saying it is the players' responsibility to keep their concentration intact.
"We have been doing that for the last couple of years. Obviously it is not in the interest of Channel Nine to disturb us when we are out there and you know, for us to get us dismissed. That's upon us to get to respond to them in professional to actually understand that's what happened when you are out there. It's about entertainment," Warner told reporters here ahead of their second T20 game on January 29 at the MCG.
"We are saying it during the Big Bash. We have done it plenty of times with Channel Nine. It is a great insight for people at home to get an understanding of how we are dealing with situations out there.
"And for me I have been doing it all the time and I feel no added pressure. It's great that I can actually give people at home in the occasion of what we are trying to achieve when we are out there in different situations," he added.