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DRS fiasco: Smith says Kohli's comments 'completely wrong'

March 15, 2017 16:21 IST

‘Virat obviously stuck by his comments. From my point of view, they are completely wrong. I obviously came out after the game and said that I had made a mistake. It was an error on my behalf. I had a brain fade. In regards to we do it consistently, that's complete rubbish in my opinion. So, I think he was wrong in his statement’

Steve Smith

IMAGE: Australia captain Steve Smith has come down heavily on his Indian counterpart Virat Kohli for making 'rubbish claims'. Photograph: BCCI

Steve Smith on Wednesday said that he was 'disappointed' by Virat Kohli's statement that Australia broke the DRS protocols repeatedly in the second Test in Bengaluru, dubbing them "completely rubbish".

Kohli had faced the wrath of many critics for claiming that the visitors 'crossed the line' at least twice following the DRS controversy, involving Smith, that took place during the Second Test which India won by 75 runs.

However, Smith said that he was disappointed by Kohli's statements as he had already admitted that he made a mistake after the Test match.

"It was a little bit disappointing. I think that obviously I made a mistake and I came out and said that. What I did was wrong and I know that," Smith said while addressing a press conference.

"But that was the first time it has happened. I know as a team we don't do that. And I think his comments... I think he said that we did it twice while he was out there. I don't think he was out there long enough for two appeals. He's entitled to his opinion, but from my point of view he's completely wrong."

"Virat obviously stuck by his comments. From my point of view, they are completely wrong. I obviously came out after the game and said that I had made a mistake. It was an error on my behalf. I had a brain fade. In regards to we do it consistently, that's complete rubbish in my opinion. So, I think he was wrong in his statement," he added.

The Australian skipper asserted that it was in everyone's interest that they move on and concentrate on the remaining two Test matches.

"It's about moving on and concentrating on this Test match. I think it has been a great series so far and again hopefully cricket can be the winner in this Test match. It's an exciting moment, 1-1 in the series. We are all excited about this Test match and hopefully it can be a good one," he said.

Speaking to the media earlier, Kohli stressed on moving on but maintained that he did not regret what he had said after the Bengaluru game.

The ICC did not level any charge against any player after the Test and match referee Richie Richardson will bring both the captains together ahead of penultimate game.

"Perhaps I might be able to ask a few questions. We'll see what the mood is like at that time. Virat obviously stuck by his comments. I think it will be just similar sort of thing with Richie making sure that cricket is the winner this week," Smith said.

"I spoke to Richie Richardson and the other umpires just now. Basically they said cricket is the winner in the Test. Both teams turn to play within rules of the game. We always know that a series between Australia and India is fiercely contested.

"It's between number one and two sides in the world. They understand that, it's just about playing within the boundaries of the game and making sure that cricket is the winner."

Australia had won the first Test of the four-match series by 333 runs at Pune.

However, the hosts came back strongly in the next game and defeated Australia by 75 runs to level the series. 

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