Sydney Test Steve Smith on Virat Kohli Not Out Catch: The fifth Test match of Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 is being played from January 3. Controversy arose over Virat Kohli’s catch on the first day of the fifth Test match between India and Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground. The Indian innings had a bad start and the team lost two wickets early. In such a situation, Virat Kohli came on the field, but the controversy started by saying that he was out on the very first ball. But the decision of the third umpire gave him great relief.
When did the whole incident happen?
This incident happened on the ball of Scott Boland, which Virat Kohli played towards slip. Steve Smith, who was in the slips, dived to his right and claimed to have caught the ball and lofted it into the air for Marnus Labuschagne to catch. However, after watching the replays, the third umpire ruled that the ball had touched the ground. Smith has given his opinion after this controversial not out catch.
What did Smith say?
Steve Smith said in an interview during the lunch break, “I am 100% sure that the catch was clean. But the umpires’ decision is final, and we accept that.”
“100%. No denying it whatsoever.”
Steve Smith weighs in on whether he got his hand beneath the ball in the biggest moment of the morning. #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/bqIy8iGIRm
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 3, 2025
The controversy increased further when replays were shown on the big screen during the match. Virat Kohli was seen shaking his head with a slight smile, which showed his displeasure.
Ponting called the third umpire’s decision wrong
During the commentary of the match, former Australian captain Ricky Ponting also reacted. Ponting called the decision of the third umpire wrong. “As far as I’m concerned, if (the ball) had come out of (Smith’s) hand, he wouldn’t have been able to lift it up. That’s what I’m saying, I Looks like his fingers are clearly under the ball… look where his index finger is, it’s still under the ball.”
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