Cricket: That's the new style in TV talk, Warnie

MELBOURNE - Cricket Australia wants television coverage of the Ashes series to be as modern and entertaining as possible without damaging the integrity of players, an official said yesterday.

The comments came a day after Australia leg-spinner Shane Warne was angered by being asked a question about his personal life by a reporter as he walked off the field having been dismissed while batting for his state side, Victoria.

The female reporter from Channel Nine, host broadcaster for the Ashes series starting in Brisbane on November 23, reportedly asked Warne as he trudged back to the pavilion if he and estranged wife Simone were planning to get back together.

Warne brushed past the reporter and voiced his anger to team management.

"He's not happy, not happy at all," Victoria coach Greg Shipperd said.

"He's just got out to an ordinary shot and before he can get to the dressing room, a woman shoves a microphone up his nose and starts asking questions."

Victoria and Western Australia officials reportedly protested to Channel Nine over the incident.

Cricket Australia spokesman Philip Pope said players, officials and broadcasters were involved in discussions over the Ashes series, which is expected to generate record viewing figures after England's series triumph last year.

"We obviously have the overriding view that cricket coverage needs to be as interesting as it can be but it must also respect the integrity of international cricketers," Pope said.

Ideas including interviewing players as they leave the pitch and having cameras in dressing rooms are believed to have been suggested to the Australian players while they were at a pre-season camp in Queensland.

"The playing group and the broadcasters are trying to work out what is and isn't possible as we move into the Ashes series," Pope said.

"Some of the ideas will prove appropriate and some will not but we will continue the dialogue ... it is a work in progress."

- REUTERS