BCCI takes Kohli’s corner as DRS controversy spills over

Ian Healy criticised Virat Kohli for his overly aggressive behaviour and it drew a response from the Indian skipper. We were nearly expecting things to happen instead of just getting to the basics and executing our skills.

There were a number of close calls during a fiercely-contested encounter and the flash point came on day four when Steve Smith was adjudged to be leg-before-wicket [LBW] off the bowling of Umesh Yadav. Virat Kohli felt that it was more than that and his own temperament was clearly tested as he was seen to have several lengthy discussions with the umpires. Nigel Llong, immediately took notice and asked Smith to leave. Smith was at the other end and admitted afterwards that his message to Marsh was misunderstood.

“No, we leave that with ICC and that’s the way it goes”, he said. I don’t want to say more on that, videos are out there for everyone to see. May be I should have just put my hands up and done it (reviewed).

Watch Smith’s “cheat” moment here.

But Smith’s cause was not helped when his predecessor Michael Clarke voiced doubt over whether it was really a one-off, given that the non-striker Peter Handscomb seemed to suggest he consult the dressing-room. “The fact that Handscomb even thought of asking the Australian skipper to turn around and look to the support staff, I’ve got my concerns”, he said.

“I referred smudga (Smith) to look at the box.my fault and was unaware of the rule”.

Kohli quipped that “we’ve got 1.2 billion people in India, one person doesn’t make a difference to my life”. “We don’t ask for confirmation from upstairs”.

The ICC is yet to confirm those details, and no further information has been provided in support of Kohli’s claims that he twice saw the Australia team seeking input from the dressing room while he was batting during the Test.

Waugh also said while he is comfortable taking Smith’ s statement at face value, the ICC should probably look to caution the Australian captain as these things tend to happen during a high-intensity clash and that both teams should look to move on. “The Indian No.3 was unbeaten on 79 at stumps and shapes as the key wicket for Smith’s men on the fourth day if Australia are to keep the run chase to a manageable target”.

India were slow to embrace technology, only recently assenting to its universal roll-out in their games, and although they are playing catch-up in many respects, Kohli feels they have a better handle on the protocols than their opposition. “It’s a shame that we are focusing on just one incident from the four days of a great contest”.