Star Indian batter Virat Kohli survived a caught-behind appeal after Steve Smith’s spectacular effort ended in frustration as the third umpire ruled not out in the morning of the fifth Test at Sydney. The decision kept Kohli from recording a golden duck, making the Australian batter upset.
With the visitors struggling at 2-17, Kohli’s walked into the crease, receiving a mix of cheers and boos from the Australian crowd. However, his stay was almost cut short on the very first ball he faced from Scott Boland.
Boland delivered a back-of-a-length delivery that swung away, taking Kohli’s outside edge. The ball went low to the second slip, where Smith dived full stretch to his right, managing to get his hand under it. In one motion, Smith flicked the ball to Marnus Labuschagne at gully, who completed the catch. The Australian team jumped in celebration, believing they had dismissed Kohli.
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As the Australians celebrated, Kohli patiently waited for the TV umpire’s decision. The replays showed Smith’s right hand scooping the ball but also raised questions about whether the ball had brushed the ground before Labuschagne’s catch was completed.
The umpire reviewed the angles repeatedly and concluded that the ball had made contact with the turf. This decision received loud cheers from the Indian supporters, and a relief on Kohli’s face, while Smith, shook his head in disbelief. The decision was a significant turning point, as Kohli survived to steady India’s innings alongside Shubman Gill. The commentators felt that it was a clear catch and weren’t happy with the decision.
“Australian fans will feel they’ve been robbed,” Isa Guha said on air. Meanwhile, Mark Waugh thought Smith’s finger remained under the ball as it brushed along the ground.
“It would’ve been a great catch … I think it was … he’s (Smith) not happy. You see his right finger just underneath it… I think he’s got away with one there Kohli.,” Waugh said.
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