Bangalore, India (AFP) - An irate Virat Kohli accused Australia of repeatedly overstepping the mark Tuesday after India stunned the visitors by 75 runs in an ill-tempered second Test to level the series 1-1.

The Indian captain was furious at opposite number Steve Smith for seeking guidance from the dressing room over his dismissal, something the rules forbid, during a thrilling encounter in Bangalore.

The umpires had to cool the players down after Kohli was enraged by Smith looking over to his backroom staff as he decided whether or not to go for a review after being ruled out lbw off Umesh Yadav following a low delivery.

"We take our decisions on the field ourselves. We don't ask for confirmation from upstairs," fumed Kohli, stopping short of calling the Australians cheats but implying it.

"I saw that happening two times when I was batting out there. I pointed that out to the umpire as well that I have seen their players looking upstairs for confirmation.

"And that's why the umpire was at him. When he turned back the umpire knew exactly what was going on.

"We observed that, we told match referee and the umpire that it's been happening for the last three days and it has to stop," said Kohli.

"There is a line that you don't cross on a cricket field. Sledging and playing on the opponent's mind is different but I don't want to mention the word but it falls in that bracket. I would never do something like that on the cricket field," Kohli added.

Smith, who scored 28 during Australia's chase, admitted to the mistake but insisted it had been a one-off.

"It was a bit of brain fade on my behalf and yeah, I shouldn't have done that," he told reporters.

"I think it was the first time it's happened," he added.

The controversy added spice to what was a thrilling see-saw battle between the old foes.

Off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin grabbed six wickets as India stopped Australia in their tracks to win a fiery second Test and level the series 1-1 on Tuesday.

Australia, needing 188 for victory, were bowled out for just 112, 1/2 hour into the final session on day four at Bangalore's M Chinnaswamy Stadium.

Tempers frayed between the world's top two ranked sides as the hosts bounced back from a humiliating opening Test defeat in Pune.

Ashwin (6-41), who bagged his 25th five-wicket haul in his 47th Test, took the final wicket of Nathan Lyon, caught and bowled for two, sparking celebrations among the Indian players.

"After losing the first Test the way we did, we wanted to bounce back and not show anyone but ourselves what we are made of," said India skipper Virat Kohli.

"They showed the intent and the belief that we can win from any position. It was about taking responsibility. The way they showed heart and character, along with the crowd, is unbelievable."

Cheteshwar Pujara (92) and Ajinkya Rahane (52) put on a crucial 118-run partnership for India's fifth wicket before the Australian bowlers struck back in the morning session.

But Australia faltered in their run chase to leave the series perfectly poised heading in to the third Test in Ranchi from March 16.

"This afternoon didn't go to plan," said Australia captain Steve Smith.

"Ashwin did what he's done so well over here for a very long time - hit good areas and challenged our batters, and we weren't up to it today.

"But I'm proud of the way the boys have competed over the last four days."

Australia started their second innings briskly, scoring at over four runs an over, but were soon rattled as Ashwin got into his groove, trapping a dangerous-looking David Warner leg before wicket (LBW) for 17.

"One good thing I did was when wickets were not coming, I kept the runs down," said Ashwin.

"We just spoke inside the dressing room to bowl some short spells and keep changing over. That is why we were rotating so we could attack through such short balls," he added.

Shaun Marsh became Yadav's first LBW victim as he tried to pad away an in-swinging delivery but was given out.

The batsmen decided not to waste their single remaining review but TV replays suggested the ball would have missed the off stump by quite a distance.

It was Smith's dismissal that brought the home crowd to its feet, however, as Yadav's delivery stayed low to hit the star batsman's lower pad for LBW.

When Ashwin took the final wicket of Nathan Lyon, caught and bowled for two, India's players celebrated wildly.

"Till now this is the best one and by far the sweetest victory for us. Emotional game for us, quite draining as well," said Kohli.

Earlier Australian pace bowler Josh Hazlewood claimed career-best figures of 6-67 to help bowl out India for 274 before lunch.