Australian pacers continued their dominance, dismissing Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar early. Despite a brief respite from Jasprit Bumrah’s return to bat, India’s lower order collapsed, leaving them all out for 157. Chasing 162, Australian openers raced to 35/0, but Prasidh Krishna’s three-wicket haul, removing Konstas, Labuschagne, and Smith, revived India’s hopes. Immediately after Smith’s dismissal, a moment reminded the world of Australia’s infamous 2018 sandpaper gate scandal.
A packed SCG crowd eagerly awaited Steve Smith to reach his 10,000 Test runs, filled with anticipation. However, their excitement turned to disappointment as Prasidh Krishna dismissed him in the 10th over, halting Smith’s milestone. A short while later, while Khawaja and Travis Head were at the crease, Kohli slowly turned towards the crowd, smiling, before pulling out his empty pockets in a subtle gesture.
Looking back at history, Smith was robbed of his captaincy and banned from international cricket for 12 months, alongside David Warner, for ball tampering during a 2018 match against South Africa. Cameron Bancroft was also banned for nine months. The trio was caught using sandpaper to alter the ball’s condition. Twitterverse quickly picked up on Kohli’s gesture, discussing it widely on social media.
What was that?
Virat Kohli teases sydney cricket stadium specatotrs with sandpaper! 🤣#ViratKohli𓃵 #Bumrah #AUSvsIND #AusvsIndia #INDvAUS #IndiavsAustralia #SydneyTest #BGT24 pic.twitter.com/aWZTtf7vh0
— Political & Sports Nerve (@political_nerve) January 5, 2025
