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The fifth test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) witnessed high drama as a controversial decision involving an Australian cricketer Steve Smith and Indian baptizing master Virat Kohli ignited a strong debate.
Steve Smith’s catch and the third umpire’s verdict
Coming into bat with India struggling at 2/17, Kohli edged a length delivery Scott Boland to the second slide. Smith dived low to his right, appearing to catch the ball just above the turf before throwing it Marnus Labuschagne to Gully, who completed what looked like a remarkable team effort.
Despite jubilant celebrations from the Australian camp, Kohli stood his ground, prompting the on-field umpires to send the decision up. After reviewing the footage, third official Joel Wilson he ruled that the ball had made contact with the ground before being tossed up, giving Kohli a crucial reprieve. The decision left Smith visibly frustrated, shaking his head in disbelief.
Also READ: AUS vs IND: Here’s why Rohit Sharma is not playing in the Sydney Test
Smith reacts to the third official’s call
During the lunch break, Smith spoke to Fox Sports and reaffirmed his belief in the legality of the catch. “100% Without denying it in any way, 100%,” she said, insisting her fingers were under the ball before it was thrown up. However, Smith took the decision in stride, adding: “But the referee has made the decision. We will move on.”
Here is the video:
“100%. Not denying it in any way.”
Steve Smith thinks if he got his hand under the ball at the most important moment of the morning. #AUSWIN pic.twitter.com/bqIy8iGIRm
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 3, 2025
Opinions divided among cricket experts
The decision has since polarized opinion among cricket pundits and fans. Old Australian pacer Glen McGrath described the capture as a “Call 50/50” but he thought he was looking. Ricky Ponting i Justin Langer this sentiment was echoed, with Ponting stating: “I think his fingers are clearly under the ball.”
On the contrary, ex-trial referee Simon Taufel offered a nuanced perspective, explaining that under ICC guidelines, if any part of the ball touches the ground while under the fielder’s control, it is generally not ruled out. “It’s not about intentions; it’s about what repetition shows,” Taufel elaborated.
