Smith gets distracted by on-field microphone, Kohli gives a verbal send-off

T20 CRICKET thrives on providing entertainment. From cheerleaders, to beyond the boundary interviews, flying spider-cams, we have seen it all. But the constant on-field microphone chat between the players and the commentators has arguably got the television viewers more involved in the game. That said, the chat between Steve Smith and the Channel 9 commentators turned a little awkward after the Aussie Test captain got distracted and was out caught by Virat Kohli in the first T20 in Adelaide. 

After Smith’s dismissal, Kohli was also caught on camera making the “chatterbox” gesture to the outgoing batsman. While the whole on-field microphone is used to bring the people closer to the game, the Aussie fans took to twitter and slammed the Channel 9 for distracting the batsmen. 

Meanwhile, opener Australian opener David Warner didn’t share the same opinion and felt it was in the interest of the spectators and viewers back home that Channel 9 came up with the idea. 

Kohli’s message to Steve Smith was pretty clear there. This is a cricket game not a television interview. Thanks, Channel 9. @wwos9 #AUSvIND

— Lachlan Payne (@lachlanpayne) January 26, 2016

Whilst we try to bring the viewer into the contest. We can't forget it is a contest. Smith wasn't comfortable and Kohli knew it.

— Nathan Buckley (@ncb_cfc) January 26, 2016

As reported by TimesofIndia, Warner said, 

"I've been doing it all the time and I feel no added pressure," Warner told reporters in Melbourne ahead of Friday's T20 against India. It's great that I can actually give people at home an indication of what we're trying to achieve while we're out there in different situations. It's about entertainment.” 

As reported by Brisbane’s courier mail, Sports writer Robert Craddock said, 

"Did it cost Australia the game? Possibly. If it happened in a Test match I would be punching a hole in my keyboard protesting at the farce of it all."