Laxman raps Smith for ‘dressing room’ signals

Bengaluru, March 7 (IANS) Former India batting great V.V.S. Laxman on Tuesday expressed his displeasure at Australia skipper Steve Smith's attempt to seek consent from the dressing room for usage of Decision Review System during the second cricket Test, which the visitors lost by 75 runs.

Smith, who was trapped in front by pacer Umesh Yadav in Australia's second innings, wanted to challenge the on-field umpire Nigel Llong's decision but was denied a referral after Llong spotted both Smith and his partner Peter Handscomb looking in the direction of the dressing room.

Expressing his displeasure at Smith's actions, Laxman took to Twitter to term it as contrary to the spirit of the game.

"Really disappointed with the way @stevesmith49 looked @ the dressing room 2 take a review. Totally against the spirit of the game," Laxman wrote.

According to International Cricket Council (ICC) Standard Test Match Playing Conditions for 2016-17, the umpires may decline a review if they believe the fielding captain or batsman has received any outside input.

"The captain may consult with the bowler and other fielders or the two batsmen may consult with each other prior to deciding whether to request a Player Review," the ICC conditions state.

"Under no circumstances is any player permitted to query an umpire about any aspect of a decision before deciding on whether or not to request a Player Review."

"If the umpires believe that the captain or batsman has received direct or indirect input emanating other than from the players on the field, then they may at their discretion decline the request for a Player Review. In particular, signals from the dressing room must not be given," the conditions clearly state.

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