Australian cricketers, engulfed neck-deep in a ball-tampering controversy, have received sympathy from unlikely quarters.

Steve Smith, Cameron Bancroft and David Warner have found themselves in the middle of a storm after being caught cheating during the third Test against South Africa in Cape Town.

Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin, though, believes such a thing could happen in the 'heat of the moment'.

Speaking during an event in Mumbai on Monday, Ashwin offered his opinion on the entire matter. “It’s very difficult sitting at a distance and commenting on what might have happened in the dressing room,” he said.

“These things happen in the heat of the moment,” he said. “I’m not trying to stand for it but the fact remains that (cricket) is entirely tech-driven and you have to be extra careful especially when you are in the public eye and have the responsibility to carry out yourself in the utmost dignified manner as possible.”

He added, “That is one of the disadvantages of technology growing so much...I would say it is literally dictating play in terms of cricket and life for everybody. If technology hadn’t gone this far, we would not be talking about this so much.”

Another Indian cricketer present at the even on Monday, Rohit Sharma, chose diplomacy and refused to comment on the scandal. “I don’t know if it’s relevant for me to comment about that sitting so far away. I don’t know what must have happened there,” he said.

Smith stepped down as Australia captain on Sunday and has been suspended for one Test by the International Cricket Council amid stunning ball-tampering revelations that have plunged the team into crisis.

Smith was also fined 100 percent of his match fee, while opening batsman Bancroft, who was caught on camera attempting to alter the condition of the ball, was handed three demerit points and a 75 percent fine of his match fee.

Bancroft, however, escaped a ban and is therefore free to play in the fourth Test starting in Johannesburg on Friday if selected.

David Warner also resigned as vice-captain on Sunday amid shock and disappointment at the conduct of the team back home.