Cricket Australia CEO James Sutherland has opened up on the accusation on Steven Smith by Virat Kohli over the unfair means of cricket drama, saying the call is ‘outrageous’ from the Indian captain. Observing that Smith was clear and fine and he doesn’t find any fault in that, Sutherland said there seemed no ill-intent in his actions and his image as a tough leader shouldn’t be hampered.
A lot of drama unfolded on Day 4 of Bengaluru Test, where Smith, after being adjudged LBW off Umesh Yadav’s delivery, was seen looking towards the dressing room and seeking advice for the DRS call. He was caught bluntly doing so and then had to walk back after the umpire’s (Nigel Llong) intervention into the matter.
Virat Kohli later accused the Australian skipper for spoiling the game’s integrity by breaching the code of conduct and further claimed he and the management have complained to the match referee Chris Broad about the same.
Sutherland, who feels the side’s captain hasn’t gone against the spirit of the game, said:
“I find the allegations questioning the integrity of Steven Smith, 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. We reject any commentary that suggests our integrity was brought into disrepute or that systematic unfair tactics are used, and stand by Steve and Australian cricketers who are proudly representing our country.”