'It is the player's stupidity if his abuses get caught on stump mic' - Michael Vaughan opines on Buttler-Philander incident

The ongoing four-match Test series between England and South Africa have turned out to be a riveting one this far. With two flawed sides going hammer and tongs against each other, it has added to the cauldron. The final day of the New Year Test in Newlands was the pulsating one with South Africa gritting it out in the middle before a late, inspired burst of short-pitch bowling by Ben Stokes, paved way for an English victory.

But the day didn’t end without its fair share of controversies. England wicketkeeper Jos Buttler was caught on the stump pic calling Vernon Philander ‘a f***ing knobhead’. Ever since the video of Buttler abusing Philander went viral, the cricketing world has been divided over their opinions on keeping the stump mics on.

While many including the likes of Harsha Bhogle lambasted Buttler for his comments, former England captain Kevin Pieterson had come out in support of Buttler when he wrote, “Lots having a go at @josbuttler. Leave him alone! This is Test Cricket and believe me, this is nothing compared to lots that goes on, on the field. Series is alive big time! End of’’

LOTS having a go at @josbuttler here!
LEAVE HIM ALONE!

This is Test Cricket and believe me, this is nothing compared to lots that goes on, on the field.
Series is alive big time!

END OF! pic.twitter.com/vSh4zDL1AY

— Kevin Pietersen🦏 (@KP24) January 8, 2020

Michael Vaughan defends the idea of keeping the stump mic switched on

However, another English captain Michael Vaughan defended the use of stump pics, which according to him, adds something to the broadcast as well as to the viewing.

“For what’s it worth..I think having the stump mics turned up has added to cricket Broadcasts & given the viewer an insight into players/tactics & some banter.. If a player swears and abuses someone and it’s caught surely it’s the players stupidity not the fact we have stump mics!

For what’s it worth..I think having the stump mics turned up has added to cricket Broadcasts & given the viewer an insight into players/tactics & some banter.. If a player swears and abuses someone and it’s caught surely it’s the players stupidity not the fact we have stump mics!

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) January 13, 2020

Buttler was reprimanded 15 per cent of his match fee for his comments by the ICC and the wicketkeeper duly apologized while at the same time 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’d like to apologise. I understand that’s not the way to behave so I’ll take the slap on the wrist and move on.” He ascribed his behaviour to “heat of the moment and a bit of redness“.

When asked about his opinion on stump microphones staying switched on, Buttler said: “In Test cricket, there’s a lot of high emotions at times and things being said that don’t necessarily mean anything but for viewers at home come across very poorly,” he said.

He added, “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.”

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