Steven Smith, South Africa Vs Australia, Durban, Allan Border,
Steven Smith ready for massive challenge. Photo Credit: Getty Images

Australia have asked the South African local broadcaster and match officials to keep the sound down when the ball is dead during the first Test as per new ICC rules.

Steven Smith, South Africa Vs Australia, Durban,
Australia have asked the local broadcasters to turn stump mics off. Photo Credit: Getty Images

In Australia, Channel 9’s microphone fader is turned up and down by an operator as each ball is bowled to capture the sound effects. The fader is usually turned down during the period between deliveries and overs.

James Anderson and Steven Smith
Australia are known for their on-field verbal tactics. Image Courtesy: Twitter

Australia used on-field verbal tactics to their advantage and won the Ashes 4-0 in the summer.

The Kangaroos will resume their contest against their mighty rivals, South Africans on 1st March at the Kingsmead stadium in Durban. In South Africa, the microphones tend to be left on during the break.

Australian spinner Nathan Lyon said the Aussies have asked to turn off the stump mic because what happens on the field should remain there as it is.

Nathan Lyon, South Africa vs Australia 2018
Nathan Lyon feels that what happens on the field should remain on the field. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

Lyon said,

What happens on the field stays on the field. We’re all grown men. We compete hard. We know where the line is. We headbutt it probably, but we are not going to go over the line. It’s a mental game as well as a physical game. If something is going to be said, then no doubt it will be said from both camps.”

“I know when I go out to bat I get a warm welcome from most of them. It’s part of the game. It’s Test-match cricket; it’s challenging, it’s competitive, you’re playing for your country. It’s a great battle. We pay the South Africans a lot of respect, and I’ve got no doubt that goes both ways. It is going to be one hell of a series and I’m pretty excited about it.”

Australian skipper Steven Smith had already indicated the Aussies might look to fire up South African fast-bowler, Kagiso Rabada.

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Rabada was suspended for one Test last year after a stump microphone caught him telling Ben Stokes to “f— off” at Lord’s.

Smith also said if the Proteas decide to employ the tactics employed by England to get in his ear to distract him, then he has no issues with it as it fires him up a bit.

Steven Smith. South Africa vs Australia 2018
Steven Smith feels sledging motivates him. (AP Photo/Tertius Pickard)

“If they do, go for it. It doesn’t bother me. A bit of a verbal challenge actually makes me switch on a bit more and gets me in for the fight. So they can go for their lives.”

Here’s the news feed:

Skipper Steve Smith names an unchanged XI for the first Tests against South Africa

SA vs. AUS 2018: Spinners Could Hold the key to Victory against Aussies – Dean Elgar

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