In the first innings of the third Test match between Australia and India at The Gabba in Brisbane, KL Rahul scored an incredible 84, displaying elegance and poise. After a sensational catch by Steve Smith in the opening session on Day 4, his time with the bat came to an end.
Steve Smith dropped Rahul at second slip off Pat Cummins’ bowling on Day 4,
which could have resulted in his dismissal off the opening ball. Smith missed the opportunity, even if it was a regulation take. Batting on 33 at the time, the Karnataka batsman took full advantage of the reprieve, scoring 84 runs off 139 balls with eight stunning boundaries.
Rahul appeared to be on course to score his ninth Test century, but Nathan Lyon ended his innings. The star off-spinner will have to give Smith a lot of credit for the dismissal, though, as the former Australian skipper made amends with a spectacular one-handed catch at first slip.
Rahul attempted to push the ball over the off-side after Lyon produced a shortish delivery outside the off-stump. But all the seasoned batter could provide was a thick outside edge that went to the right of the initial slide. Smith made a beautiful catch with his right hand. The renowned cricketer nearly missed the ball, but his quick reactions and exceptional hand-eye coordination made the catch appear much simpler than it actually was.
Watch the video below:
WHAT A CATCH FROM STEVE SMITH!
Sweet redemption after dropping KL Rahul on the first ball of the day.#AUSvIND | #PlayOfTheDay | @nrmainsurance pic.twitter.com/d7hHxvAsMd
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 17, 2024
Day 4 Lunch: India reaches 167/6
Early on Day 4, Pat Cummins’ second victim in the Test match was Rohit Sharma, the captain of the tourists. In order to get India over the 100-run milestone, Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja, two seasoned professionals, formed a 67-run partnership off 115 balls.
When Rahul was removed, the highly effective Nitish Kumar Reddy came out to the middle and joined Jadeja in an undefeated 26-run partnership. Day 4 lunchtime saw India reach 167/6, requiring 78 more runs to escape the follow-on.
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