The Sydney Cricket Ground’s opening day of the fifth Test match between Australia and India became a topic of conversation following a contentious altercation between Steve Smith and Virat Kohli. When facing his first ball of the innings, Kohli managed to avoid a contentious catch appeal that quickly became a topic of conversation.
India won the toss and decided to bat first. They were at 17 for 2 when Kohli approached the crease. A good-length ball was delivered by Boland around the off-stump, and Kohli edged it in the direction of the slips. Jumping forward, Smith, who was positioned at the second slip, got his hand underneath it.
The ball was flipped by Steve Smith to Marnus Labuschagne, who finished the catch.
The Australians applauded, referred the decision to the third umpire, and were certain that the dismissal was valid.
Following several slow-motion replays, the third umpire decided in favour of Kohli, noting that it looked as though the ball had struck the ground prior to Smith finishing the grab. During the lunch break, Smith discussed the catch with commentator Isa Guha. “A hundred percent. There’s really no doubting that. The umpire, however, has made the call. “Let’s move on,” he declared.
“100%. No denying it whatsoever.”
Steve Smith weighs in on whether he got his hand underneath the ball in the biggest moment of the morning. #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/bqIy8iGIRm
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 3, 2025
Recognise what the third umpire did there: Taufel Simon
In his opinion, former ICC umpire Simon Taufel acknowledged the challenge of making such choices. He could see why it was ruled as not out by the third umpire.
“He could definitely relate to what the third umpire did there. I believe you did a great job of describing it when you said that you could likely make a case for either conclusion, depending on which side of the fence you are on. Taufel informed Channel 7 that he believes he is seeing the ball on the ground after listening to Joel Wilson’s words there, where he claimed to have seen it slide onto the ground when the fingers were below it.
Even though Kohli survived the first few innings, he did not stay at the crease for long. After scoring 17 more runs, Kohli walked back after Boland’s delivery, which was thrown wide outside the off-stump and nicked to slip fielder Beau Webster, finally removed him in the second session.
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