The fifth test Border Gavaskar Trophy The Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) witnessed high drama as a controversial decision involving the Australian cricketer Steve Smith And the Indian batting maestro Virat Kohli It ignited a heated debate.
Steve Smith's catch and the third umpire ruled
Coming to bat with India struggling at 17/2, Kohli edged a catch at long off Scott Boland Towards the second slide. Smith slid low to his right, and appeared to catch the ball just above the turf before swinging it toward it Marnus Labuschagne In Jolly, who completed what looked like a fantastic team effort.
Despite jubilant celebrations from the Australian camp, Kohli stuck to his guns, prompting the on-field umpires to send the decision upstairs. After reviewing the footage, the third referee Joel Wilson It ruled that the ball had hit the ground before it was bowled up, giving Kohli a crucial reprieve. The decision left Smith visibly frustrated, and he shook his head in disbelief.
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Smith reacts to the third umpire's call
During the lunch break, Smith spoke to Fox Sports and reiterated his belief in the legality of the catch. “100%. There's no denying that at all, 100%.” He said, insisting that his fingers were under the ball before pushing it up. However, Smith accepted the decision with equanimity, adding: “But the referee has made the decision. We will move on.”
Here is the video:
“100%. There's no denying that at all.”
Steve Smith ponders whether he got his hand under the ball in the biggest moment of the morning. #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/bqIy8iGIRm
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 3, 2025
Divided opinions among cricket experts
The decision has since polarized opinions among cricket pundits and fans. Former Australian rules footballer Glenn McGrath Describe the catch as a “50/50 call” But he saw that it seemed. Ricky Ponting and Justin Langer He echoed this sentiment, with Ponting asserting, “I think his fingers are clearly under the ball.”
On the contrary, the previous test rule Simon Toffel He offered a nuanced perspective, explaining that under ICC guidelines, if any part of the ball touches the ground while a player is in control, it will generally be ruled out. “It's not about intentions; It's about what the replay shows. Tovel explained.