Big Bash tactics chat under CA scrutiny

Cricket Australia will look into the integrity issues raised during Wednesday's KFC Big Bash League match after tactical information was passed from the commentary box to the fielding captain.

Network Ten's statistician Lawrie Colliver told viewers that Sydney Thunder batsman Shane Watson had been dismissed twice in the past eight balls he had faced from Adelaide Strikers seamer Ben Laughlin.

Ten's lead commentator Mark Howard then passed that information to mic'd up Strikers captain Brad Hodge, who then brought Laughlin into the attack in the next over.

Hodge has worn a microphone throughout the BBL|06 campaign, adding a new dimension to coverage and giving viewers unprecedented access and insight to the skipper's thinking.

However, the incident in the fourth over of last night's match "disappointed" CA, with the governing body's Integrity unit called into action.

"Australian cricket has a long-standing, proactive approach to sports integrity management," a Cricket Australia spokesperson said.

"We educate our broadcasters at the beginning of each season in the area of Cricket Australia's Integrity codes and policies so they fully understand the extent we take to ensure the integrity of cricket in the country.

"We are disappointed with the comments made on the BBL broadcast last night, and expressed this concern immediately to Channel 10 when it occurred.

"Cricket Australia's Integrity unit is looking into the matter further to ensure the comments made during the broadcast did not jeopardise the integrity of last night's match."

The broadcaster today apologised for the incident.

"Network Ten apologises to Cricket Australia for comments made during last night's KFC Big Bash League match," a Ten spokesperson said.

"The comments were in no way intended to advise Adelaide Strikers captain Brad Hodge on game tactics or influence the outcome of the game. Network Ten ensures that all commentators are educated on Cricket Australia's integrity codes and policies."

Watson made 39 from 26 balls, and was caught in the deep by Laughlin off the bowling of Jake Lehmann.

"Our master statistician Lawrie Colliver tells us Laughlin has got Watson twice in the last eight balls he's bowled him in this competition," Howard said.

"Really?" Hodge replied.

"I'll leave that with you skipper," Howard said.

A jovial Hodge then said: "I'll bring him on next over then. Let's get him into the game. Next over bud."

Howard was admonished on air by former England international and Melbourne Stars batsman Kevin Pietersen, who was co-hosting coverage alongside Damien Fleming for the night.

"Very naughty. Very, very naughty, Howie," Pietersen said.

The Strikers bowled the Thunder out for 101 in 15.3 overs to end the BBL|05 champion's title defence. The season is now finished for both teams, and neither will feature in this year's finals series.