CA boss James Sutherland slams Virat Kohli for ‘outrageous’ attack on Steve Smith’s integrity

CRICKET Australia boss James Sutherland has come out swinging against Virat Kohli, with a strident and impassioned defence of Steve Smith’s integrity.

Virat Kohli all but called Steve Smith a cheat.

CRICKET Australia boss James Sutherland has come out swinging against Virat Kohli, with a strident and impassioned defence of Steve Smith’s integrity.

Sutherland labelled allegations sparked by Kohli that the Australian team are systematic cheaters as “outrageous”, laying the foundations for a brewing war between the two cricketing bodies.

The BCCI took a swipe at Australia’s honour in a social media post designed to back up Kohli’s vitriolic outburst in the post-match press conference.

COMMENT: fiery Kohli cricket’s ultimate bully

However, Sutherland has responded with similar brute force.

Virat Kohli all but called Steve Smith a cheat.

“I find the allegations questioning the integrity of Steve Smith, the Australian team and the dressing room, outrageous,” said Sutherland.

“Steve is an outstanding cricketer and person, and role model to many aspiring cricketers and we have every faith that there was no ill-intent in his actions.

“We reject any commentary that suggests our integrity was brought into disrepute or that systemic unfair tactics are used, and stand by Steve and the Australian Cricketers who are proudly representing our country.”