Smith and Kohli escape charges

BENGALURU: Australia captain Steve Smith and his India counterpart Virat Kohli have escaped any charges after a controversial Decision Review System (DRS) incident in this week’s Bengaluru Test, the ICC said yesterday.

Following India’s 75-run win in the second Test, Kohli accused Smith of “crossing the line” and said the Australians repeatedly looked towards their dressing-room for assistance over whether to ask for a review of the umpire’s decision using DRS.

Players are not allowed to seek direction on reviews apart from conferring with the nonstriker. Teams cannot make more than two unsuccessful review requests per 80 overs.

Smith, who sought help after being judged leg before wicket, said it was a one-off incident caused by “brain fade” but Kohli countered that it was not the first time it had happened and that he had complained to the match officials.

Kohli’s public criticism of the visitors could have also been considered a breach of the ICC code of conduct.

“In relation to Steve Smith and Virat Kohli, the ICC has considered both incidents in the context of this match and concluded it will be taking no further action against either player,” the governing body said in a statement.

The third Test between the teams starts in Ranchi next Thursday with the series level at 1-1.

“Ahead of (the third Test), the match referee will bring both captains together to remind them of their responsibilities to the game,” ICC chief executive David Richardson said.

Cricket Australia (CA) said yesterday that Australia captain Smith was a “role model” and allegations that he and his team flouted the rules when deciding whether to review decisions during the second Test against India are “outrageous”.

“I find the allegations questioning the integrity of Steve Smith, the Australian team and the dressing-room, outrageous,” CA chief executive James Sutherland said in a statement.

“Steve is an outstanding cricketer and person, and role model to many aspiring cricketers and we have every faith that there was no ill-intent in his actions.

“We reject any commentary that suggests our integrity was brought into disrepute or that systemic unfair tactics are used, and stand by Steve and the Australian cricketers who are proudly representing our country,” he added.

Australia coach Darren Lehmann denied his team had repeatedly sought dressing-room assistance on reviews.

“Never, ever, ever,” Lehmann said. “Very surprised to hear that, but it’s their opinion.”

“He (Kohli) has his opinion and we have ours, but at the end of the day, we play the game the right way ... We’ve never done any of that, so we’ll just get on with the next game.”

The BCCI meanwhile, hoped the remainder of the series would be played in the true spirit of cricket. – Reuters