NEW DELHI: Steve Smith led Australia in the 2017 Border Gavaskar Trophy series against India. Though Australia lost the four-match series 1-2, Smith ended the series as the highest run-getter on either side with 499 runs including three hundreds.
But the series is still remembered for the 'brain fade' moment that Smith had during the second Test in Bengaluru.
During Australia's second innings, Smith was given out leg before wicket off a delivery from Umesh Yadav. After discussing briefly with his batting partner, Peter Handscomb, Smith was seen glancing towards the dressing room for advice on whether to review the decision using the DRS (Decision Review System).
This act of seeking guidance from the dressing room is against the rules, as players on the field are not allowed to consult external sources for reviews.
Indian captain Virat Kohli immediately protested, and the on-field umpires intervened, denying Smith the opportunity to review the decision.
India's dramatic, 75-run victory, after Australia crashed to 112 all out, left the four-match series between the sides tantalisingly poised at 1-1.
But the headlines were dominated by Kohli's accusation that Smith abused the DRS, after he was seen looking to the Australian dressing room while considering appealing against his dismissal.
After the match, Smith admitted that his actions were a "brain fade," a momentary lapse in judgment. The incident caused significant controversy, with Kohli hinting that it might have been a recurring tactic by the Australians, although no further proof was provided.
The incident added to the tension between the two teams in an already heated series.
