The Board of Control for Cricket in India [BCCI] have backed captain Virat Kohli in the controversy surrounding DRS and Australia captain Steve Smith in the second Test.

Smith was given out leg-before-wicket off the bowling of Umesh Yadav and was in a discussion with non-striker Peter Handscomb. After some indecision and a suggestion from Handscomb, Smith looked at the away dressing room for pointers which is not allowed.

“The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) after due deliberation and seeing the video replays of the episode steadfastly stands with the Indian Cricket Team and its Captain Mr. Virat Kohli,” read the BCCI statement.

“Mr. Virat Kohli is a mature and seasoned cricketer and his conduct on the field has been exemplary. 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.

“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.

“BCCI sincerely hopes that the rest of the matches are played in the true spirit of cricket.”

After the match, there were suggestions from Kohli that the Smith incident on day four wasn’t the only time the Australian team looked up for help, but there is no reference to this in the BCCI statement.

Earlier in the day, Cricket Australia CEO James Sutherland had labelled the allegations as “outrageous”.