Aussies defend skipper as ‘cheat’ row escalates

bengaluru — Australia’s cricket chiefs sprang to the defense of embattled skipper Steve Smith after he was accused of cheating in the second Test against India, amid calls for disciplinary action.

Wednesday’s headlines were dominated by Indian skipper Virat Kohli’s accusation that Smith abused the decision review system (DRS), after he was seen looking to the Australian dressing-room while considering appealing against his dismissal for lbw. Although Kohli stopped short of accusing Smith of being a cheat, Indian newspapers were less diplomatic. “Smith Caught Cheating,” an Indian Express headline said.

But Cricket Australia’s chief executive James Sutherland, who was in Bangalore for the match, defended his captain and team. “I find the allegations questioning the integrity of Steve Smith, the Australian team and the dressing room, outrageous,” he said. “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.”

Coach Darren Lehman also threw his weight behind Smith, saying the Australian team were well aware of their responsibilities. “He (Kohli) has his opinion and we have ours, but at the end of the day we play the game the right way,” Lehmann said on Cricket Australia’s website.

“We’ve changed the way we want to play, we’ve obviously changed the side and we’re a younger side so I’m pretty pleased with the way we do things now.” —