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Australia v India Test series 2017: VVS Laxman unleashes misguided rant at Steve Smith for poor sportsmanship

Andrew Wu
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Ranchi: India Test great VVS Laxman has accused Australian captain Steve Smith for setting a poor example to his team by mocking Virat Kohli's shoulder injury. The only problem, however, is Smith did nothing of the sort.

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There was outrage on social media with Smith being slammed for poor sportsmanship after pictures emerged of him appearing to hold his shoulder while celebrating Kohli's wicket.

It came on a day where Kohli rushed out of the dressing room to sarcastically applaud Smith's team after they had burnt a second review.

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The pair are feuding after Smith admitted he had broke the rules of the decision review system by consulting the dressing room during the second Test. It prompted Kohli to accuse Australia of systematic DRS rorting, claims he has failed to substantiate.

The third Test hangs in the balance with India 6/360 at stumps on the third day, trailing Australia by 91.

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Criticism of Smith intensified after host broadcaster Star Sports aired a segment during the tea break where Laxman unloaded on Smith for "defying the spirit of the game".

Laxman, who made his reputation for his heroics against Australia, even referenced the death of former Australian opener Phillip Hughes to condemn Smith for not showing due respect to an injured opponent.

Glenn Maxwell, however, did make light of Kohli's injury, holding his shoulder in jest after making a diving save on the boundary. Kohli had broken down on the first day in similar circumstances.

"Glenn Maxwell and Steve Smith, what example is he setting to his team? That's very disappointing. You can sledge ... it's fine, but not mocking someone who is injured, in pain," Laxman said at tea on Saturday.

"I've never experienced that because when you are injured, you always care for the opposition player as well.

"Especially after what happened to Phil Hughes, everyone is concerned when someone gets injured.

"Whether he gets hit on the helmet or is injured, there is a concern.

"You play the game a hard way but the spirit of the game should be there. This is defying the spirit of the game."

It was later revealed Smith was condemned on the basis of an optical illusion. The hand on Smith's shoulder belonged to someone else. Smith, who had taken the catch, was still holding the ball and while embracing a teammate.

Star Sports later issued a clarification exonerating Smith.

Australia's batsmen are set for a heated reception from India when they take to the crease for the second innings.

"All the players are aware of it," India opener Murali Vijay said when asked about Australia's treatment of Kohli. "Whatever they are doing we take it as a sporting thing, there's going to be a second innings so hopefully they can take it that well - it'd be great."

Australia's bowling coach David Saker said he did not believe Kohli's DRS gesture was aimed at the visitors.

"I know he came out and clapped, I don't know if it was directed at anyone in particular but that's the way he's been playing this series," Saker said.

"It's a really cut-throat series for everyone and it's first versus second, there's a lot of pressure on him at the moment.

"And there's pressure on everyone at the moment.

"I don't think it was directed at anything, I just think when you lose your two reviews it's a bit of a relief to the opposition and he probably just showed that."