Brad Hogg comes forth in support of Virat Kohli, asks Australians to get off their high horse

New Delhi: After Mitchell Johnson, it is Brad Hogg who has come forth to place his views on the whole sledging-saga surrounding Indian captain Virat Kohli. However, on contrary to the pacer, the chinaman was in full support for the Delhi boy, saying that it is his enthusiasm and love for the sport that brings about his on-field aggression.

Just like Johnson, Brad's words were written in his blog, but for "The NewDaily" website, where he mentioned about Virat's exuberance, the DRS fisaco and Marcus Stoinis replacing injured Mitchell Marsh. He inked off mentioning about his unhappiness over the criticism that Kohli has been facing since the M Chinnaswamy Test.

"Virat is an exuberant and emotional character who trains so hard at his cricket. He wants it so much and that translates into his behaviour on the field. Australians need to get off their high horse about Kohli and his carry-on - let's not forget we are well-renowned for our sledging and have been for years," Hogg wrote.

"When Kohli clashed with Smith, I liked it. As long as it isn't violent or very personal, it adds to the spectacle. Kohli has clearly been expressing himself on the cricket field. But it's good for the series and it's good for cricket."

The entire controversy had kicked off after Umesh Yadav had dismissed Aussie skipper Steve Smith of an LBW, after which the right-handed batsman was spotted referring to the Australian dressing room for DRS assistance. Virat spoke out his heart in the post-match conference regarding the issue pointing out previous incidents. Thus, bringing about an array of words for and against him.

Hogg wrote, "Smith's decision to look at the dressing room while contemplating using DRS will leave him feeling slightly embarrassed. You're not allowed to do that and, as a captain, he knows that. I think it showed the pressure of the moment and the series. But it was dealt with then and there, by the umpire, who gave him his marching orders." He kind of found it funny that within days time some of these players would become team-mates to battle for the Indian Premier League title.

ICC off-course didn't go forward with their punishment and called off the issue, something that the left-arm spinner completely agrees to. He then went on to praise Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane as to how they stole the limelight away from the Kangaroos to gift their team a sweet victory. "It wasn’t just India’s spinners who did the job in our unsuccessful run chase, though – I thought the home team’s quicks bowled superbly," he added.

He finally ended mentioning about Mitchell Marsh's injury and felt that Glenn Maxwell should have been given the opportunity above Marcus Stoinis. "He is the perfect batsman to come in at number six, given he can turn a match very quickly. He bats with flair and offers another spin option with the ball."