Jos Buttler Apologises For Swearing At Vernon Philander, Questions Use Of Stump Mics

England’s wicketkeeper-batsman Jos Buttler has apologised for the use of obscene language for Vernon Philander during the second Test of the series. Buttler swore at Philander and was joined in by Ben Stokes. The stumps mic caught Buttler’s words, which invited criticism for the 29-year-old. He was later docked 15% of his match fee and also accumulate one demerit point

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While Buttler did apologise for his mistake, he has also questioned the use of stump mics. “I fully understand that as role models we have a duty to behave in a certain way. I would like to apologise and understand that is not the way to behave. I take the slap on the wrist,” Buttler said.

“In Test cricket there is high emotion at times. There can be things said that don’t mean anything, but for the viewers at home it can come across very poorly,” he said. “It is a tough one, we understand that it adds to the viewer experience to have stump mics to hear a bit of what goes on. “But I think the players like the thinking of what happens on the field, stays on the field, and isn’t heard necessarily by everyone at home,” he added while questioning the use of stump mic.

Stump mics have been used on a consistent basis for past few months and players have been also been fined if when caught swearing at a player. In January 2019, former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed was banned for four games by ICC after the stump mic caught him making comments on Andile Phehlukwayo.

The use of stump mics also hogged much limelight during the India-Australia Test series in 2018/19 but none of the players had crossed the line despite them going at each other full throttle.

Talking of the series, with a win in the second Test, England made a comeback and now both the teams have one win each in their account. The third Test of the series kicks off on January 16 at St George’s Park in Port Elizabeth.

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Before he penultimate Test, England suffered a big blow as James Anderson has been ruled out of the series. With Jofra Archer and Mark Wood declared fit, one of these two pacers will replace Anderson in the playing XI.