Post Steve Smith fiasco, players' union to seek clarification from TV networks

New Delhi: The dismissal which rocked cricket world has prompted Australian Cricketers Association (ACA) to seek clarification from television networks regarding what constitutes an acceptable player engagement during matches.

After Steve Smith's dismissal in the first Twenty20 International against India at Adelaide, Channel Nine came under fire, with many accusing the broadcasters of being responsible for the batsman losing his wicket.

Smith, 26, had been doing a live interview with Channel Nine commentators Mark Nicholas, Ian Healy and Michael Hussey in the over of his dismissal. And many have asked the timing of such a gig.

The ACA, which has not raised an objection, 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.

Smith's departure triggered a batting collapse and India won the match by 37 runs at the Adelaide Oval.

"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," added Nicholson.

Players are not obliged to wear microphones if asked by a broadcaster and have the right to say no.