The second Test of the Border Gavaskar Trophy at Bengaluru had quite a few similarities with the infamous Sydney Test of 2008 between the same teams. A thrilling and resilient win for India was marred by an extremely ugly controversy, as Australian captain Steven Smith and his batting partner Peter Handscomb resorted to means that aren’t considered fair as per the ICC guidelines.
While it is clearly mentioned that no review can be taken after consulting the dressing room, the Aussie duo indulged in the very act, enraging Virat Kohli and the Indian think tank. Post the game, Kohli lashed out at the Australians and the BCCI went on to file an official complaint to the ICC over the Decision Review System (DRS) row.
In a bid to seek a swift solution, the CEO’s of both boards met in Mumbai to discuss the matter and concluded that the much anticipated series should go ahead and high quality cricket should be the priority. Thereby, the BCCI has withdrawn its complaint and the two captains will now be addressed over the matter just before the start of the third Test at Ranchi.
“A series between India and Australia is bound to generate considerable excitement for fans in both the countries. On the field the two teams are fierce competitors who represent their countries with pride. As we have seen this week in Bangalore, with so much at stake, tensions can bubble over,” Cricket Australia (CA) CEO James Sutherland said in Mumbai.
“We are half way through what has already been a riveting series – and there is still much to look forward to. In discussing the relevant issues in depth, we have agreed that it is in the best interests of the game to put these differences aside and clear the way for the focus to be on the cricket, and the remaining matches of the series,” Sutherland added.
His Indian counterpart Rahul Johri maintained a similar line as he said:
“India has always cherished a contest with Australia and over the years, the performances of both, the teams and the players, are testimony to the level of competitiveness that exists between these two teams. While having responded officially to one such incident which happened in the last Test, together, we believe that the focus of the teams and the joy they provide to the fans, should not be diluted and it is imperative to ensure that the rest of the series, which promises a great cricketing contest, not be compromised.”