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When Steve Smith tried to get help from dressing room for DRS in front of furious Kohli



Australia's DRS drama (Source: @Lesnar5ied/x.com, @TUnlimitedd/x.com)Australia's DRS drama (Source: @Lesnar5ied/x.com, @TUnlimitedd/x.com)

In the cricketing world, mention Australia and most will describe an indomitable force that conquered the game with sheer excellence. But beyond their unreal success, controversies have followed them everywhere, irrespective of on and off the field.

In their clashes against India, some of the biggest heated moments became highlights of the rivalries, but there are some controversies, too. In 2017, when Australia travelled to India for a Test series, Australia’s DRS scandal grabbed the limelight.

The battles between India and Australia have always sparked drama, but the 2017 Bengaluru Test took it to another level. Australia’s controversial ‘not-so-gentlemanly’ approach left the cricketing world buzzing with outrage. Let’s revisit the memory.

Australia shows the world a ‘new’ way to use DRS

Cricket, which was invented just like any other sport in the world, rose to another level as the craze became different than others. As the game evolved, innovations added new layers of excitement, and few have sparked as much debate as the Decision Review System, or DRS.

According to cricket’s rule book, the Decision Review System (DRS) is a technology-driven tool that lets players challenge an on-field umpire’s call. Since its introduction, it has been a game-changer, giving batters a chance to stand their ground and rewrite moments in their favor.

While the cricketing world had grown accustomed to the DRS, the Australian side took a U-turn on the rule. As Australia travelled to India for a Test series in India, they faced the hosts in the second Test match at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. In the second innings, Australian skipper Steve Smith crossed the line by involving the dressing room in a DRS call, a move clearly against the rules that grabbed global attention.

When does DRS turn into a Dressing Room Review System?

According to the rules, the dressing room has no say in DRS decisions, but the Bengaluru crowd witnessed a different story. While Australia was batting in the second innings, the lethal Indian bowling attack proved to be heavy on them. Amid a massive batting collapse, Steve Smith and Peter Handscomb were at the crease when Umesh Yadav’s delivery brought another crucial wicket, with the umpire signaling Smith out.

As the decision didn’t sit well with the Aussie star, he opted for a DRS. While he turned to the non-striker’s side, the drama ignited after that. The on-field umpire spotted him seeking input from the Australian dressing room, leaving the cricketing world stunned.

Wasting no time, the on-field officials stepped in as the controversy unfolded, with even India captain Virat Kohli visibly fuming. He was even seen using heated words with Smith. Though the drama was brief, the moment instantly etched itself as an iconic chapter in the storied India-Australia rivalry.

Australia creates chaos, India shows who’s the boss

The thrilling match was highlighted by Australia’s controversial DRS decision, but Team India registered one of the finest Test victories here. While batting first, when Team India’s batting order crumbled, KL Rahul delivered a fine 90-run knock in 205 deliveries as India ended their first innings in 189 runs.

After Australia set their eyes on a gritty chase, Matt Renshaw and Shaun Marsh’s heroics tried to boost the total, but Ravindra Jadeja’s brilliant six-wicket haul and Ravichandran Ashwin’s remarkable effort restricted Australia to 276 runs.

Aiming for a win, India had a decent start as KL Rahul notched a fine fifty. Coming to bat at the number three position, Cheteshwar Pujara may have missed a well-deserved ton, but played a solid innings of 92 runs. Adding to this, Ajinkya Rahane’s exceptional half-century helped India to put on a total of 274 runs.

The dramatic last innings of the match witnessed the pure brilliance of the Indian bowlers. Ravichandran Ashwin led the charge with a stunning six-wicket haul, while Umesh Yadav chipped in with two crucial strikes. Under relentless pressure, the Australian batters folded, handing Team India a commanding 75-run victory.