India’s star batter Virat Kohli had a tense start to the IND vs AUS fifth Test at Sydney Cricket Ground as he narrowly avoided dismissal on the score of zero. After Rohit Sharma’s exclusion from the Test, the situation is already tense in the Indian team’s camp. After India’s bad start in the Test, as both openers KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal went back to the pavilion at 17/2, it was indeed a sign of relief for Virat to survive the lucky save. In the situation currently going on in the dressing room, it was more like a career survived for Kohli.
Smith saves Kohli
In the 7.5 over, Scott Boland bowled a sharp delivery to Kohli, whose bat edged the ball towards second slip. Steve Smith, stationed at that crucial position made an astounding dive to his right, getting his hand under the ball. The catch seemed miraculous at first glance; as Smith stretched fully to grasp it. However, the ball slipped out of his fingers, popping up towards gully where Marnus Labuschagne was waiting to complete the catch.
The celebration from the Australian side was interrupted as the third umpire, Joel Wilson, called for a closer inspection of the play. Wilson’s review focused on whether the ball had touched the ground during Smith’s dive. Upon thorough look, it appeared that while Smith did manage to get the back of his hand under it, the ball might have briefly brushed the ground before bouncing up. This led to a crucial “not out” decision, allowing Kohli to continue his innings.
A crucial lifeline for Kohli
This close call granted Virat Kohli a lifeline, giving him a chance to regain his footing in the match. Indian cricket fans must be hoping that Kohli makes the most out of this lifeline to capitalise and play big innings against Australia. The batter has only scored one century in the series so far, the hundred came in the Perth Test.
