Brain fade incident: BCCI backs Virat Kohli's claim after Cricket Australia's defends 'role model' Steve Smith

New Delhi: Soon after Cricket Australia called cheating charges levelled against Australian skipper Steve Smith as 'outrageous', the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) threw its weight behind Indian skippper Virat Kohli by lodging a complaint with ICC match referee Chris Broad.

The Indian board took the step after Smith was seen seeking help from the Australian dressing room for a DRS review after his dismissal on Day 4 of second Test.

In a detailed statement, BCCI explained its stand and said that they have asked ICC to look into the matter.

“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.

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.”

Earlier in the day, in a statement, Cricket Australia CEO James Sutherland said the board firmly stands behind Smith and the rest of the Australian cricket team.

"I find the allegations questioning the integrity of Steve Smith, the Australian Team and the dressing room, outrageous," Sutherland was quoted in a statement.

"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 systemic unfair tactics are used, and stand by Steve and the Australian Cricketers who are proudly representing our country," he added.

Smith had gestured towards the dressing room to seek a clue on whether to go for a referral or not after he was trapped in front by pacer Umesh Yadav in the second Test, which Australia lost by 75 runs yesterday.

Sparks flew between him and Indian skipper Virat Kohli when umpires noticed Smith's actions and intervened to stop him. Smith later tried to douse the fire by saying that it was a "brain fade" on his part and he shouldn't have done it.