On field f-bomb has cricket microphones switched off

Anton Devcich’s on-air profanity has seen Sky TV ditch cricket player microphones at the request of New Zealand Cricket and the Players Association, with the authorities now scurrying to draw up protocols around their use.

Northern Knights all-rounder Devcich was caught swearing on live TV during Sky’s first televised match of the season’s Super Smash Twenty20 competition, against the Wellington Firebirds in Hamilton on Friday night.

The former Black Cap was the nominated Knights player wearing a microphone – something Sky have done for several years now, in line with plenty of other broadcasters around the world, where they get interaction between the commentators and the players during the game.

But their want to give viewers deeper insight bit them on the backside when Devcich dropped an f-bomb in protesting against an umpiring decision during his side’s 32-run loss at Seddon Park.

Fielding on the boundary, Devcich attempted to prevent a six from Samit Patel, catching the ball then throwing it back into the field of play as he crossed the rope.

TV umpire Wayne Knights deemed Devcich’s foot had contacted the rope, and ruled a six, which brought the ire of the 32-yearold, who had just noted to the commentators that he and Knights actually had a history of run-ins.

Potentially unaware that his mike was still live, Devcich turned round, looked up to where Knights was sitting, arms outstretched, head shaking, saying ‘‘every time, Wayne. F... sake.’’