DRS: BCCI stands by Indian Cricket Team, Virat Kohli

Mr. Virat Kohli is a mature and seasoned cricketer and his conduct on the field has been exemplary, the BCCI said in a statement.

"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," read the statement.

"BCCI has requested the ICC to take cognizance of the fact that the Australian skipper Mr. Steve Smith in his press conference admitted to a ‘brain fade’ at that moment," it said.

"BCCI sincerely hopes that the rest of the matches are played in the true spirit of cricket," it said.

Cricket Australia CEO James Sutherland has called accusations of unfair play by Australia during the second Test against the home side here as  "outrageous".

James Sutherland defended the national side and skipper Steve Smith a day after Indian skipper Virat Kohli accused Australians of repeatedly looking to the team dressing room for guidance on whether or not to pursue DRS procedures when they were on the field.

The step is forbidden as per Test cricket playing conditions.

"I find the allegations questioning the integrity of Steve Smith, the Australian team and the dressing room, outrageous," Sutherland was quoted as saying by Cricket Australia website.

Kohli had said he  raised the issue with the on-field umpires and ICC match referee Chris Broad.

India defeated Australia in the second Test on Tuesday to level the series 1-1.

"We reject any commentary that suggests our integrity was brought into disrepute or that systemic unfair tactics are used, and stand by Steve and the Australian cricketers who are proudly representing our country," he said.

NOTE: Video clips of the incident and the press conference can be viewed by downloading the attached link - https://we.tl/JJllBAUWRR or on www.bcci.tv

Image: BCCI Twitter page