Three most controversial incidents involving Steve Smith

A unique batting stance, flawless hand-eye coordination, a quirky ball-leaving technique and stupendous numbers - the ace Test batsman Steve Smith's batting is a delight to watch for any cricket fan across the globe. A combination of grace and grit, Smith has been in marauding form since his comeback from a 12-month ball-tampering ban. His mind-boggling numbers and metronomic consistency has led to comparisons with the batting Goliaths Steve Waugh and Don Bradman.

Having said that, Smith has a history of getting involved in activities which are deemed unlawful or unethical under the laws/spirit of the game.

#1 The 'brain fade' moment against India

Australia's tour of India, 2017, second Test of a rancorous four-match series, Steve Smith's brain fade moment led to some bitter and tense moments on the field.

The visitors were leading the series 1-0 after handing a shock defeat to India on a rank-turner in Pune. Chasing 188, at 73-3, Australia was on course to make it 2-0 at Bengaluru especially with Smith and Peter Handscomb at the crease.

Steve Smith's 'brain fade' moment against India

Umesh Yadav rapped smith on the pads and was given out LBW by Nigel Llong after some intense appealing by the Indian players. Smith Walked down to Handscomb for consultation on DRS and then arrived the moment that left Virat and co fuming.

Smith looked up to the dressing room to seek help for DRS and a peeved Virat Kohli charged towards the umpires who asked Smith to walk off. The DRS rule states that only the on-field players can be consulted and no external help can be taken to decide on whether the review should be taken or not.

Dramatically, India went on to win the match and even the series.

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#2 The Sandpaper-gate

The ball-tampering scandal shocked the cricket fraternity

With the four-match series levelled at 1-1, Australia's tour of South Africa, 2018 was at a critical stage going into the third Test. At the lunch break on day three, the Proteas were cruising leading by over 100 runs and just one wicket down.

In a desperate attempt to turn things around, captain Steve Smith and vice-captain David Warner made a malicious plot of tampering the ball post-lunch - a plan to get the ball to reverse.

The gullible youngster Cameron Bancroft was chosen to carry out tampering with a piece of yellow sandpaper. Sadly for him and the captain-vice captain duo, the TV cameras picked up Bancroft rubbing the ball with sandpaper.

The footage was played on TVs across the globe and also on the big screen. A panicked Bancroft tried hiding it in the front of his trousers and showed umpires an empty sunglass pouch. The shrewd cameramen captured the devious act and in no time social media and news channels were flooded with this news.

Later in the evening, Smith and Bancroft admitted everything in a press conference.

After a detailed investigation, Smith and Warner were found guilty and banned for 12 months. Bancroft too was banned for 9 months.

#3 Steve Smith mimicking Jack Leach

The third Test of Ashes 2019 was arguably the most enthralling Ashes encounter ever. Ben Stokes' magnum opus - 135* (219) led England through to a famous win. With just one wicket in hand and England needing over 70 runs, Stokes still cleared the fence with aplomb. England no.11 Jack Leach's ability to defend and leave the ball perhaps gave that extra belief to Stokes.

The determined Aussies came back strongly in the fourth Test, winning it and retaining the Ashes. Steve Smith weaved magic on the field with his awe-inspiring batting scoring 211 and 82.

The victory celebrations saw, Smith wearing spectacles reportedly mocking Jack Leach who has a tendency of wiping glasses in between deliveries. Enraged England fans took on to Twitter to express their anger.

Coach Justin Langer denied the allegations claiming that Smith was impersonating former Australian opener Chris Rogers who used to wear spectacles.

#3 Steve Smith mimicking Jack Leach

Steve Smith was seen wearing glasses during the victory celebrations (Image: The Sun)

Determined Aussies came back strongly in the fourth Test, winning it and retaining the Ashes. Steve Smith weaved magic on the field with his awe-inspiring batting scoring 211 and 82.

Coach Justin Langer denied the allegations claiming that Smith was impersonating former Australian opener Chris Rogers who used to wear spectacles.