Australia star says it is a mistake by the ICC to turn up stump mics

Australia spinner Nathan Lyon has aired his views over the new measures introduced by the ICC this week, reserving criticism specifically for the decision to broadcast the stump microphone at all times.

The ICC addressed issues surrounding ball-tampering by increasing the maximum ban able to be applied as punishment for infringements to six Test matches, while also heightening the penalty for cheating, personal abuse and disobeying umpire’s instructions.

As a member of Australia’s squad for the acrimonious tour of South Africa earlier this year, which saw tempers flare between team-mate David Warner and opponent Quinton de Kock, Lyon commented on the new rules implemented by the ICC after a five-day conference in Dublin.

“I totally agree with the ball-tampering stuff, but to be honest with you, I’m not the biggest fan of the stump mics being turned up,” Lyon said on The Unplayable Podcast.

“I think what’s on the field needs to stay on the field.”

As cricket expands to a younger audience, Australia’s second most successful spinner in Tests insisted stump microphones would open up children to hearing obscene language, often directed by a cricketer at themselves for a mistake more so than when sledging an opponent.

“I’m not saying swearing is OK, but when you’re competing at the highest level and under extreme amounts of pressure, sometimes you miss your skill and therefore an expletive may come out,” he added.

“But we’re going to have young kids watching so as grown men we need to try and pull our heads in and realise that we’re massive role models for the game.”

Following their 5-0 capitulation at the hands of England, Australia are now in Zimbabwe as part of a T20 Tri-series also involving Pakistan.

Aaron Finch smashed 172 for the tourists against Zimbabwe to set a new record in international T20s for a highest individual score, sending his side to a second win in two matches having beaten Pakistan in the opener.