Smith slams Kohli's DRS claims

Australia captain Steve Smith has reignited the DRS controversy that erupted during the hotly contested Test series against India earlier this year saying the claims made by his counterpart Virat Kohli regarding his team's systematic abuse of review system as 'rubbish'.

In an interview to ESPNcricinfo, Smith claimed he was surprised at the turn of events after he was given out lbw in the 2nd Test in Bangalore when Australia were chasing 188 on a difficult track. Smith was batting with Peter Handscomb and after a brief discussion with his batting partner, he turned towards the team's dressing room following which he was asked to leave by on-field umpire Nigel Long.

Kohli accused the touring Australians of repeatedly looking towards the dressing room for assistance in whether to pursue the DRS for reviews, which as per the ICC rules is not allowed.

Cricket boards of both the countries had come out in open support of their captains. While Cricket Australia CEO James Sutherland termed Kohli's accusation as 'outrageous', BCCI in a release said that it 'steadfastly stands' with Kohli and the Indian cricket team.