Photo Of Steve Smith Accidentally Causes A Massive Controversy

(Image: Star Sports)

A photo of Steve Smith has - accidentally - caused a massive controversy.

His heated rivalry with Indian captain Virat Kohli continued when Smith caught him at second slip off the bowling of Pat Cummins during the third Test yesterday.

Smith's celebration was animated, as it continued Kohli's lean run of form during the series - India's captain fell for just six, and has 46 runs at an average of 9.2 for the series.

But that wasn't what caused a stir.

A photo emerged of Smith celebrating the wicket, appearing to hold his left shoulder with his right hand, and for a second it looked as if he was mocking Kohli's shoulder injury that has kept him from the cricket field in the first two days.

Fellow centurion Glenn Maxwell also came under fire for doing the same.

But an image later emerged, showing the full story.

The image revealed it was actually Peter Handscomb's hand on Smith's shoulder as they celebrated the wicket, and not a cheeky dig at Kohli.

The image initially caused a huge stir on social media, and among Indians fans and commentators, falsely believing Smith was making fun of Kohli.

“I understand that there is history behind both these teams, these players,” former Indian star VVS Laxman said on Star Sports.

“But mocking someone who is injured, Glenn Maxwell, and Steve Smith, what example is he setting to his team?

“That's very disappointing.

“You can sledge, if you want to play the hard way it's fine but not mocking someone who is injured, in pain.”