The India vs Australia Test match series has always been a heated one, with both teams bringing their A-game to the field. But during the second Test match in Bengaluru in 2017, the competition reached a boiling point when Indian skipper Virat Kohli accused Steve Smith of cheating
The incident occurred when Smith, who was at the crease, looked up towards the dressing room for assistance on whether to opt for a review or not. This prompted Kohli to level the charge of “brain fade” against the Australian skipper, which resulted in an on-field spat between the two players.
The controversy did not end there, as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) also lodged an official complaint with the International Cricket Council (ICC) over Smith’s actions. The incident sparked a media frenzy and sparked debates and discussions on sportsmanship and the use of technology in the sport.
So, what exactly happened on that fateful day in Bengaluru, and what led to Kohli’s outburst? Let’s take a closer look.
The Incident
It all started in the 74th over of Australia’s first innings, when Smith was on strike and seemed confused about whether to go for a review or not. He looked towards the dressing room for guidance, which is against the rules of the game.
Kohli, who was fielding at mid-wicket, immediately caught on to what was happening and had a few words with Smith. The Indian skipper was incensed, and his reaction was clear for all to see. He gestured towards the Australian dressing room and raised his voice in protest.
The on-field umpires intervened and had a discussion with both Kohli and Smith, but the damage had already been done. Kohli was livid, and his body language spoke volumes.
The Aftermatch
The incident quickly caught the attention of the cricketing fraternity and the media, with many taking to social media to voice their opinions. The BCCI also lodged an official complaint with the ICC, alleging that Smith’s actions were in violation of the Spirit of Cricket.
The ICC, in turn, charged Smith with a breach of Article 2.2.9 of the Code of Conduct, which relates to “inappropriate and deliberate physical contact between Players in the course of play during an International Match”.
However, the charges were later dropped, and the incident was put to bed. But the memories of that day in Bengaluru still linger, and Kohli’s outburst remains one of the most talked-about moments in recent cricketing history.