Peace restored: BCCI to withdraw complaint against Smith, Handscomb

Steve Smith and Peter Handscomb. Pic/AFP

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and Cricket Australia (CA) have resolved to restore focus on the ongoing series amidst the increased attention towards issues which have emanated during the course of the second Test in Bangalore.

In a statement issued at 11:28 pm last night, BCCIâÂÂu00c2u0080ÂÂu00c2u0088said that they will subsequently withdraw the complaint filed with ICC with an expectation that the two captains, "will meet prior to the Ranchi Test and commit to lead their teams by example and play the rest of the series, in the right spirit, demonstrating that the players from both teams are true ambassadors."

Indian cricket board CEO Rahul Johri and CEO of CA James Sutherland met at the BCCI headquarters in Mumbai yesterday and, in discussing the matters at length, agreed the importance of bringing back the focus to the game and the much anticipated next Test match in Ranchi.

Sutherland said: "A series between India and Australia is bound to generate considerable excitement for fans in both the countries. On the field the two teams are fierce competitors who represent their countries with pride. As we have seen this week in Bangalore, with so much at stake, tensions can bubble over.

"We are half way through what has already been a riveting series - and there is still much to look forward to. In discussing the relevant issues in depth, we have agreed that it is in the best interests of the game to put these differences aside and clear the way for the focus to be on the cricket."

Johri stated : "India has always cherished a contest with Australia and over the years, the performances of both, the teams and the players, are testimony to the level of competitiveness that exists between these two teams."