Former England coach David ‘Bumble’ Lloyd has called for Virat Kohli to be given a three-match ban for his remonstrations with the on-field umpires in India’s recently concluded victory over England at Chennai.

After a marginal DRS decision went against India in the closing stages of day three, Kohli, who currently has two demerit points on his record across the last 24 months, was seen in animated discussion with the umpires.  Article 2.8 in the ICC’s Code of Conduct covers “dissent at an Umpire’s decision”, and includes “arguing or entering into a prolonged discussion with the Umpire about his/her decision”.

Writing in the Daily Mail, Lloyd said: “No word of any disciplinary action against Virat Kohli then? I chuckle and I despair. Cricket is so archaic. The captain of a national team is allowed to criticise, berate, intimidate and ridicule an official on the pitch.

“All it would take to show the public the severity of any offence is the introduction of yellow and red cards. This was a straight red — which would mean he misses the next three Tests. The lack of any action from match referee Javagal Srinath sitting there in his nice air-conditioned room beggars belief. Three and a half days and he has said nothing.”

Kohli was given no sanction at the end of the Test and is available for the day/night Test at Ahmedabad.