Australia skipper Steve Smith was left fuming after Murali Vijay claimed a catch in the slips that was later proved to have been grassed. A furious Smith did not mince words as he was caught on camera dropping the f-bomb, after the decision was reversed.

The incident occured as India were looking to wrap up the Australian tail, which was wagging despite being nine wickets down. Australia had just got a reprieve after Mathew Wade was dropped in the slips by R Ashwin.

Josh Hazlewood, the No 11 batsman, soon edged one off Ashwin in the direction of Vijay at gully. Vijay claimed the low catch and sprinted towards the pavilion to changeover.

However, the umpires requested a referral where TV replays showed that the ball had made contact with the ground.

As soon as the decision was overturned, the cameras panned towards the Australian dressing room where an angry Smith was captured looking out at the field and mouthing the words “f***ing cheat”.

The comment was quickly picked up on social media, and the video clip was soon being shared wildly.

However, many people on social media pointed out the the irony in the situation, since Smith himself was accused of cheating by the Indian team during the second Test in Bengaluru. Smith had then looked towards the dressing room for directions while contemplating a review. The Australian skipper had admitted the mistake, claiming it was a “brain fade”.

There were other who were also not too pleased with Vijay’s transgression as well.

The incident is likely to become the latest flashpoint in a series that has seen plenty of acrimony with verbal duels on and off the field that has often shifted the attention away from the game.