Virat Kohli blasted by Australia cricket chiefs over Steve Smith allegations as relations sour
India skipper stopped just short of calling his rival a cheat as DRS row engulfs series
AUSTRALIA cricket chiefs have jumped to the defence of skipper Steve Smith over allegations he abused the review system.
Virat Kohli stopped just short of labelling Smith a cheat after he was caught glancing up to the dressing room for help after being caught lbw.
Following a dramatic 75-run victory which levelled the four-match Test series at 1-1, the Aussie skipper admitted a one-off "brain-fade".
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But India's Kohli pressed the issue, insisting "it's been happening for the last three days, and it has to stop".
The press stoked the flames with the Indian Express headline reading "Smith Caught Cheating".
But Cricket Australia's chief executive James Sutherland, who was in Bangalore for the match, defended his captain and team.
He said: "I find the allegations questioning the integrity of Steve Smith, the Australian team and the dressing room, outrageous.
"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."
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The Board of Control for Cricket in India took a different view and have approached the match referee about the incident.
A statement read: "The BCCI after due deliberation and seeing the video replays of the episode steadfastly stands with the Indian Cricket Team and its Captain Mr Virat Kohli.
"Mr. Virat Kohli is a mature and seasoned cricketer and his conduct on the field has been exemplary. Mr Kohli's action was supported by ICC Elite Panel Umpire Mr Nigel Llong who rushed in to dissuade Mr Steve Smith from taking recourse to inappropriate assistance.
"BCCI has requested the ICC to take cognisance of the fact that the Australian skipper Mr Steve Smith in his press conference admitted to a 'brain fade' at that moment."
Kohli aims a verbal volley at non-striker Peter Handscomb
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.
"We've never done any of that, so we'll just get on with the next game."
But Smith's predecessor Michael Clarke seemed to back the Indian's claims.
He pointed out that non-striker Peter Handscomb seemed to suggest he consult the dressing room.
Clarke told the India Today network: "If what Virat Kohli is saying is true and Australia are using their support staff to help them decide on a DRS decision then that's not on, that's unacceptable.
"I think Steve Smith respects the game and will always uphold the integrity of the game and if it is just a one-off then it is a brain-fade and he's made a mistake.
"My concern, my worry is, that when you look at the footage at what happened, Peter Handscomb actually suggests to Steve Smith to turn around and have a look to the support staff.
"Now if it is only a one-off, I don't think that would have happened."
There has been no immediate comment from the ICC but, depending on the nature of any complaint filed by the Indians, the match referee could decide to either warn, fine or even suspend Smith.