I’m glad no bans were handed out to Kohli or Smith: Brad Hogg

India’s superb victory against Australia in Bengaluru has left this Test series wide open again. The touring party has been hit hard with injuries since then but are confident of taming the Indians again in the third Test. Mitchell Starc and Mitchell Marsh both returning home due to injuries has left Australia shorthanded.

The veteran chinaman, Brad Hogg feels that Marcus Stoinis who has been called on to replace Mitchell Starc will be good but believes more in Glenn Maxwell. Maxwell’s ability to score quickly can come in handy as well as his knack for breaking partnerships with his slow spin bowling being an asset. And Hogg believes the same.

“Marcus Stoinis has been called into the squad but the selectors need the courage to play Glenn Maxwell. He is the perfect batsman to come in at number six, given he can turn a match very quickly. He bats with flair and offers another spin option with the ball,” wrote Hogg for “The NewDaily” website.

The 46-year-old Australian came out in support of the Indian captain. He said that the Australians have always been known for their sledging. The former Australian spinner said that they need to get off Kohli and concentrate on the Indian team as a whole.

The 46-year-old said, “Australians need to get off their high horse about Kohli and his carry-on – let’s not forget we are well-renowned for our sledging and have been for years.”

Hogg surprisingly came out in support of the Indian skipper explaining his aggressive nature. He said that it his competitive nature which translates into his on field antiques. “Virat is an exuberant and emotional character who trains so hard at his cricket. He wants it so much and that translates into his behaviour on the field,” wrote Hogg in his blog.

Talking about the one on one rivalry of Kohli and Smith, Hogg said that it is excellent to see them both compete and it adds to the spectacle of the game. The KKR bowler was of the opinion that it is all good until it is within the boundary lines.

Hogg said, “When Kohli clashed with Smith, I liked it. As long as it isn’t violent or very personal, it adds to the spectacle. Kohli has clearly been expressing himself on the cricket field. But it’s good for the series and it’s good for cricket.”

He feels that Smith might have been embarrassed about the DRS controversy and believes it was just the pressure of the series and the Test match that led to his actions. “Smith’s decision to look at the dressing room while contemplating using DRS will leave him feeling slightly embarrassed. I think it showed the pressure of the moment and the series,” opined Brad.

The veteran is glad that no one was banned for their actions, it would have taken out the sting out of the series. Hogg said, “I’m glad no bans were handed out to Kohli, Smith or any of the other players – their behaviour didn’t warrant it.”