Luck and effort often go together, but even the best attempts can sometimes miss the mark. Steve Smith experienced this on the first day of the final Test against India as his brilliant fielding effort fell short, giving Virat Kohli a crucial lifeline and culminating to Australia’s premature joy.
Jasprit Bumrah led the Indian team and chose to bat first after winning the toss on an overcast morning at Sydney. Openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul provided a cautious start, reaching 11/0 in four overs. Australia found their breakthrough in the fifth over as Mitchell Starc dismissed KL Rahul, with Sam Konstas taking a comfortable catch. India’s troubles deepened when Scott Boland removed Jaiswal, bringing Virat Kohli to the crease. Kohli’s innings began nervously, narrowly escaping dismissal as fortune deserted Steve Smith.
On the fifth ball of the eighth over, Scott Boland bowled a short-of-length delivery outside off, generating extra bounce. Virat Kohli, on the back foot, fended at it and edged the ball low to second slip. Steve Smith reacted swiftly, diving to his right and getting a hand under the ball, deflecting it to the gully, where Marnus Labuschagne completed the catch. Australia’s celebration was short-lived as the on-field umpire referred the decision to the third umpire. After multiple replays, Joel Wilson ruled that a part of the ball had brushed the ground before Smith’s attempt, granting Kohli a lifeline. While Kohli smiled at his fortune, Smith took the verdict sportingly as social media buzzed with reactions to the dramatic moment.
Rohit Sharma closely watching the big screen when the TV umpires review Virat Kohli’s catch. #INDvsAUS pic.twitter.com/xyOhvpw5BX
— TEJASH 🚩 (@LoyleRohitFan) January 3, 2025
A golden Duck for Virat Kohli and BCCI dropped Rohit Sharma for him #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/TGfFWDk6BZ
— Jalaad 🔥 حمزہ (@SaithHamzamir) January 3, 2025
Too early to say!
Not out!
What’s up with kohli???? First ball? #INDvsAUS #virat
— Gaurav jain (@BeinggauravJain) January 3, 2025
yeap virat kohli is getting dropped next!
— ridz (@filmkirbys) January 3, 2025
Not really!
Ah?
Virat kohli… Of course
— Ananas Shawrma🍍🌯 (@Sanu_ki__) January 3, 2025
Golden duck Virat Kohli… Scott bolands bunny ra babu 😂
— Kartheek_Özil 🦁 (@Bareddykartheek) January 3, 2025
Watch it again!
Virat Kohli out first ball! 😳😳😳
India down 17 for 3— Omkar Mankame (@Oam_16) January 3, 2025
Yesss!
Bach Gye Out Hone Se Virat Kohli.
Thanks God 🙏 pic.twitter.com/z12rTbFo1g— Satish Mishra 🇮🇳 (@SATISHMISH78) January 3, 2025
