BANGALORE: Steve Smith and Virat Kohli have both escaped censure as cricket's governing body effectively declared open slather for Australia and India for the rest of the series.
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Kohli slams Smith's 'brain fade'
India captain Virat Kohli has all but accused Steve Smith of cheating over the Australian captain's use of the decision review system during the second Test in Bangalore.
The International Cricket Council has refused to crack down on poor behaviour by both sides, saying it will not be laying any charges after one of the most spiteful international matches played in recent memory.
The announcement came after India thumbed its nose at Cricket Australia on a dramatic night where both boards stood defiantly by their captains.
![BCCI has labelled captain Virat Kohli's (right) behaviour as exemplary.](/web/20170309112653im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/u/t/w/o/6/image.related.articleLeadwide.620x349.gutwe6.png/1488991352527.jpg)
Hours after CA chief James Sutherland labelled Virat Kohli's allegations of cheating against the Australian team as "outrageous", the Board of Control for Cricket in India hailed their "seasoned and mature" captain's behaviour as "exemplary".
It followed the release of a video on the BCCI's website where off-spinner Ravi Ashwin likened Steve Smith's behaviour with that of an under-10 side.
Relations between the two nations are now at their lowest point since the 'Monkeygate'Â scandal reached its explosive conclusion in Sydney more than nine years ago.
Smith and Kohli have been ordered to break bread before the match referee next week in Ranchi however it will take more than a cup of coffee for the two sides to work through their differences.
![Cricket Australia has defended the integrity of captain Steve Smith.](/web/20170309112653im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/u/t/t/r/b/image.related.articleLeadwide.620x349.gutwe6.png/1488991352527.jpg)
Smith, Kohli, Steve O'Keefe, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Indian trio Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane and Ravi Ashwin can all consider themselves fortunate to escape censure from match referee Chris Broad.
By handing both sides a get out of jail free card, the ICC has avoided the potential storm that would have erupted had they cracked down on the poor player behaviour. Sutherland and his BCCI counterpart Rahul Johri have until Saturday night to act but it would be a major surprise if either did.
"We have just witnessed a magnificent game of Test cricket where players from both teams gave their all and emotions were running high during and after the match," ICC chief David Richardson said.
"We would encourage both teams to focus their energies on the third Test in Ranchi next week. Ahead of that, the match referee will bring both captains together to remind them of their responsibilities to the game."
The ICC's decision not to sanction Kohli, who had accused the visitors of systematically cheating the decision review system, is at odds with the code of conduct charge slapped on Australian opener David Warner during the 2014 series against South Africa.
Warner had accused then Proteas wicketkeeper AB de Villiers of ball tampering, which South Africa denied, and was docked 15 per cent of his match fee for "public criticism" and "inappropriate comment" against an opponent under the ICC's code of conduct.
The Australians are furious that the integrity of their captain and entire touring party has been questioned despite no evidence emerging supporting Kohli's sensational claims.
"I find the allegations questioning the integrity of Steve Smith, the Australian team and the dressing room, outrageous," Sutherland said.
"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."
India believe the visitors do not have a leg to stand on after Smith's admission of guilt during his post-match press conference. The BCCI said it "steadfastly stands" with Kohli, who was at the centre of the most incidents, and his team but made no reference to his DRS allegations.
"Mr. Virat Kohli is a mature and seasoned cricketer and his conduct on the field has been exemplary," the statement read.
"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 cognisance 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."
Ashwin and batsman Cheteshwar Pujara took aim at Australia in a video segment titled "Two rockstars, one frame" published on the BCCIÂ website.
"Steven Smith actually turned back and actually asked the dressing room if he could take a review," Ashwin said in the interview recorded on Tuesday night.
"That is completely unheard of. The last time I thought that would happen was in an under-10 game, when my coach used to suggest where point fielders and cover fielders used to stand.
"I've got a lot of respect for Steven Smith, but that was very, very surprising."