Ranchi Test: In Virat Kohli's defence, VVS Laxman slams Aussies for defying spirit of cricket

New Delhi: You don't cross certain lines. Yes, Indian captain Virat Kohli talked about it during the infamous DRS controversy in Bengaluru. Then, in Ranchi, Aussies seemed to have crossed yet another line.

This time, they mocked Kohli's injury. And former India batsman VVS Laxman was not taking it lightly. The legend slammed the visitors for defying the spirit of the game.

On Day 3 of the third Test, Glenn Maxwell grabbed his shoulder after diving to a stop a boundary, mocking Kohli's action on first day.

Watch: Glenn Maxwell's cheeky dig at Virat Kohli https://t.co/cCnl7liOc9 #IndvAus pic.twitter.com/TCZgBsr660 — FOX SPORTS Cricket (@FOXCricketLive) March 18, 2017

Later, Aussie skipper Steve Smith grabbed his shoulder after taking the catch to dismiss Kohli.

A rather reticent Laxman, who's present as a Star Sports analyst, invoked the tragedy of Phil Hughes to say that "when you are injured, you always care for the opposition player as well."

"Glenn Maxwell and Steve Smith, what example is he setting to his team? That's very disappointing. You can sledge ... it's fine, but not mocking someone who is injured, in pain," Laxman said at tea break on Saturday.

The Indian captain suffered the injury after landing heavily on his shoulder while trying to stop a boundary during the afternoon session on the first day. He went off the field for treatment.

WATCH: Virat Kohli picks up injury in Ranchi​

He returned on Sunday to bat, but lasted only 23 balls, before falling to Pat Cummins. He scored six runs.

"I've never experienced that because when you are injured, you always care for the opposition player as well.

"Especially after what happened to Phil Hughes, everyone is concerned when someone gets injured.

"Whether he gets hit on the helmet or is injured, there is a concern.

"You play the game a hard way but the spirit of the game should be there. This is defying the spirit of the game," Laxman added.

Aakash Chopra also criticised the Aussies.

"It's not OK to mock him.

"Yes there is a certain amount of animosity or rivalry, and it's been flared up quite a bit between Virat Kohli and Steve Smith.

"But you must need to know where to draw the line.

"These are things that can be avoided. The idea should be to douse the fire, rather than just adding fuel to the fire. This is adding fuel," Chopra said.

At Stumps on Day 3, India still trail Australia by 91 runs with four wickets in hand.