No action against Kohli, Smith for 2nd Test fracas: ICC

The International Cricket Committee (ICC) announced on Wednesday that it will not take any action against Indian captain Virat Kohli and Australian skipper Steven Smith for their actions during the recent second Test in Bengaluru.

Kohli and Smith were involved in a heated exchange during Australia's second innings after Smith was adjudged lbw by the umpire off an Umesh Yadav delivery.

Smith appeared gesturing towards the Australian dressing room, apparently asking for advice before deciding to invoke the Decision Review System (DRS) against the umpire's ruling. That prompted Kohli to challenge Smith, resulting in an altercation between the duo.

"The ICC has considered both incidents in the context of this match and concluded it will be taking no further action against either player," the ICC said in a statement.

"The ICC has confirmed that no charges have been laid against any player under the ICC Code of Conduct following the second Test match between India and Australia in Bengaluru."

"Specifically in relation to Steve Smith and Virat Kohli, the ICC has considered both incidents in the context of this match and concluded it will be taking no further action against either player," the statement added.

Pointing out that the players were emotionally charged up during a highly competitive game, ICC Chief Executive David Richardson asserted that match officials and the captains of both teams must try to avoid such situations during the next Test in Ranchi.

"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," 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."

--IANS

ajb/vt