The ball-tampering scandal that happened in South Africa on Saturday (24 March) forced former Indian left-arm spinner – L Sivaramakrishnan to go back to last year’s Test series with Australia at home.

In Bengaluru last year in March, Australian skipper –Steve Smith looked up at the dressing-room for help with the DRS after the umpire upheld an LBW appeal from Umesh Yadav. This act by Smith left Indian Skipper –Virat Kohli furious at him and even he was close to calling him a  “cheater”.

Following ball-tampering saga in Cape Town, Sivaramakrishnan lauded Kohli, saying he was smart on the field, as he had already realized Smith's intent and now his accusation is proven right.

As per TNN, Sivaramakrishnan said, “Virat was smart on the field and he saw what Steve was doing during the Test series. Today, his accusation is proven right. Now that Smith is caught, it proves to show that he may have done something in the past as well in India, if not ball tampering.”

Smith was handed one-match suspension by Sport’s governing body –ICC after ball-tampering scandal while Cricket Australia is currently investigating the matter.  

Sivaramakrishnan signed off, “It should be used for immediate suspension of a player who would be involved in illegal activities like ball tampering. Saving the spirit of the game is of prime importance and that is why Australia should play the ongoing Test with nine players. The situation demands that.”

The four-match  Test series now stands at 2-1 with South Africa leading the Test series. The final Test of the series will be played at the Wanderers from March 30.