The Australian cricketers, on learning that their request to turn down stump mics not being met, switched their ‘bully mode’ on in the ongoing Durban Test against South Africa.
Prior to the series, Australia had asked the host broadcaster to turn down the fader of the stump mics when the ball is not in play to confine the banters within the 22 yards.
Read: Switch off the stump mics, mate!
The cricketers were heard advertising their country sponsors. Many of them were heard mentioning the beer XXXX — against the Castle Lager (South African beer) logo — and Qantas — one of Australia’s popular airlines. Both the companies are commercial partners of Cricket Australia.
According to a report in cricket.com.au, one player told one of the umpires (sponsored by Air Emirates), “How good is Qantas?”
Also read: Aussies to target Rabada’s demerit points
The incident is a throwback to the 2006 series between Australia and Bangladesh when the then wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist launched a mild protest against the stump mics being up. He pumped speedster Brett Lee saying, “Come on Bing, one for the boys at Travelex now. Plenty of energy from a Milo Energy Bar. Keep it well oiled with Castrol boys. Come on.”
All-rounder Mitchell Marsh, who scored a gritty 96 in Australia’s first innings, believed it was all in light humour. “I wouldn't say it was a protest. I’d say it was a great opportunity to give our sponsors a bit of a plug. The stump mics really, for us players on the field, are irrelevant. It’s about us as a team getting the ball in the right areas and we don't really worry about that, it was a bit of a joke to give the sponsors a bit of a plug,” he said.
As for the Australians’ sledge-fest, South Africa star batsman AB de Villiers agreed that they were “very friendly compared to last time”.
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