Steve Smith is sure of Virat Kohli’s catch on the first day of the fifth Test of the BGT 2024-2025, however, he accepts the third umpire’s decision.
On the first day of the fifth test match against Australia, India’s King Kohli faced a contentious catch-fall on the first ball he faced at SCG. Kohli managed a hit of Scott Boland’s delivery towards Steve Smith at second slip. Smith reached low to his right to catch the ball but due to his imbalance, he scooped the ball towards Marnus Labuschagne- who caught the ball- before Kohli could return to his place.
When asked Steve Smith if he got his hand under the ball during the lunch break, he told Fox Sports, “100%. No denying it whatsoever, 100%.” Accepting the third umpire’s decision, he said, “But the umpire has made the decision. We’ll move on.”
To review the situation, the on-field umpires referred the decision to the third umpire for DRS. The third umpire, Joel Wilson, who had earlier faced criticism for the controversial verdict against Australia, examined the replays. At first, he seemed convinced of Smith’s fingers under the ball, but after reviewing from multiple angles, he rephrased his decision.
Wilson was heard saying via the broadcast microphone, “I can see the fingers under the ball. Can you provide another angle to check if it touched the ground?”
Wilson, on further examination, added, “I see the ball rolling on the ground. Do you have any other angle?
“Spotted. It’s rolling. I have that ball touching the ground.
“He has his fingers under it, but it’s rolled onto the ground.
“It’s touching the ground. I have a decision for the big screen.”
Just then “NOT OUT” appeared on the big screen. While his decision of ‘not out’ received acclamation from Indian fans at SCG, Steve Smith was seen frustrated, shaking his head in displeasure.
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