Smith not impressed with Kohli’s antics, says sledge “was just not cricket”

Days after India’s  victory over Australia in the first T20I at Adelaide, the controversy surrounding Virat Kohli’s send-off to Steve Smith’s dismissal still hogs the limelight in the social media. Apparently, Kohli’s animated send-off was because of Smith’s conversation with the commentators while being the batsman on the crease, which might have caused Smith to lose concentration and eventually resulting in his dismissal.

While fans and critics alike have slammed Steve Smith and Channel 9 broadcasters for pulling up such antics, Virat Kohli has been equally criticized for his unwarranted sledging. While Indian debutant Hardik Pandya was reprimanded by the ICC for breaching the Code of Conduct for excessive celebration, Kohli, surprisingly, managed to stay unscathed. Despite the controversy surrounding Smith’s antics, fans and critics alike feel that Kohli’s actions were completely out-of-bound. And Steve Smith completely agrees with it.

Talking to Fox Sports in an interview, Smith dismissed the claim that the dismissal was caused due to the on-pitch interview, and additionally fired back at Virat Kohli, calling his antics “just not cricket”.

“It was on at the time but for me it was just a bad shot. I tried to chip one over the top for two rather than trying to hit him for four or six. It was my fault and I’ve just got to be better next time.” Said Smith, talking about his dismissal. (Also watch: Virat Kohli sends off Steve Smith in an aggressive way)

“I don’t think you need to do that kind of thing when someone gets out. It’s fine to have a little bit of banter when you’re out in the field, but when someone’s out I don’t really think that’s on. He gets pretty emotional out there, doesn’t he?” he added, chastising Virat Kohli for his antics.

The brewing rivalry, however, will take a break as Steven Smith has been rested for the final two T20Is.