Tempers flare as Aussies collapse
ANGRY: KOHLI STOPS SHORT OF CALLING VISITORS CHEATS
Needing a mere 188 to win, tourists are bundled out for 112.
Bangalore
An irate Virat Kohli accused Australia of repeatedly overstepping the mark yesterday after India stunned the visitors by 75 runs in an ill-tempered second Test to level the series 1-1 in Bangalore.
The Indian captain was furious at opposite number Steve Smith for seeking guidance from the dressing-room over his dismissal, something the rules forbid.
Off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin grabbed six wickets as Australia, needing 188 for victory, collapsed to just 112 half-an-hour into the final session on day four after tempers frayed.
The umpires had to cool the players down after Kohli was enraged by Smith looking over to his backroom staff as he decided whether or not to go for a review after being ruled out lbw off Umesh Yadav following a low delivery.
“We take our decisions on the field ourselves. We don’t ask for confirmation from upstairs,” fumed Kohli,” stopping short of calling the Australians cheats but implying it.
“I saw that happening twice when I was batting out there. I pointed that out to the umpire. And that’s why the umpire was at him.
“We observed that, we told match referee and the umpire that it’s been happening for the last three days and it has to stop,” the Indian captain continued.
“There is a line that you don’t cross on a cricket field. Sledging and playing on the opponent’s mind is different but I don’t want to mention the word but it falls in that bracket. I would never do something like that on the cricket field,” Kohli added.
Smith, who scored 28 during Australia’s chase, admitted to the mistake, but insisted it had been a one-off.
“It was a bit of brain fade on my behalf and yeah, I shouldn’t have done that,” he told reporters.
The controversy added spice to what was a thrilling see-saw battle between the old foes.
Ashwin recorded figures of 6/41 as he bagged his 25th five-wicket haul in his 47th Test. When he took the final wicket of Nathan Lyon, caught and bowled for two, India’s players celebrated wildly.
“Till now this is the best one and by far the sweetest victory for us. Emotional game, quite draining as well,” said Kohli.
The third Test in Ranchi starts on March 16.. –