Australian Cricketers Association has decided to seek clarification from television networks regarding what constitutes acceptable player engagement during matches after the furore created by Steve Smith's dismissal in the T20 International against India, according to a report.
Channel Nine came under fire on social media with many accusing the network of being responsible for Smith losing his wicket in the first Twenty20 international in Adelaide yesterday.
Smith had been doing a live interview with Channel Nine commentators Mark Nicholas, Ian Healy and Michael Hussey in the over of his dismissal but was not spoken to in the lead-up to the ball which got him out.
While the ACA have no qualms with the circumstances leading to Smith's departure, the players' union said it would seek feedback from players and speak to networks over the appropriate times they are spoken to.
"We think players have been really accommodating. Being miked up, there is the right time and place to do that but there's a greater level of feedback we need to seek from players over when that engagement is going to be acceptable," ACA chief Alistair Nicholson was quoted as saying by 'Sydney Morning Herald'.
"It's very difficult for players in a live environment to push back on what they've been asked to commentate on. Clearly we need to get more feedback. We've seen it evolve over a couple of seasons, the insight on the field is growing and growing and growing, there needs to be more work done to identify what areas can be strayed into."
It's understood Smith does not blame the broadcaster for his wicket, which sparked a batting collapse that crippled Australia's run chase.
Players are not obliged to wear microphones if asked by a broadcaster and have the right to say no.
