Day 1 of the fifth Test between Australia and India at the Sydney Cricket Ground witnessed a moment of brilliance from Australia’s star player Steve Smith, who took an extraordinary catch to dismiss India all-rounder Nitish Reddy. After the catch, Smith couldn’t resist trolling the umpire. The troll was a light-hearted response to an earlier incident earlier in the day when the third umpire had overturned his catch of Virat Kohli
Steve Smith trolls umpire after third umpire drama
In the 57th over, Scott Boland delivered a short-of-length ball just outside off, tempting Reddy into an edge. Positioned at second slip, Smith dived to his right and snatched the ball with finesse, making the dismissal look like a textbook slip-catching drill. Reddy’s dismissal for a golden duck added to Boland’s fiery spell and left India struggling.
Smith’s jubilation after Reddy’s dismissal came with a playful dig at the umpire, referencing an earlier incident in the day, as in the 8th over added drama to the early stages of India’s innings. Boland’s delivery, a back-of-a-length ball that nipped away, caught Kohli’s edge as he pushed forward. The ball was low, and Smith appeared to have scooped it up cleanly at gully.
However, the third umpire’s detailed review revealed a slight contact with the ground, prompting a “not out” decision. The incident sparked animated reactions from both teams and amplified the already electric atmosphere at the SCG. Seizing the moment post-Reddy’s catch, Smith humorously gestured that this one was “clean and out,” adding a touch of levity to the high-pressure match.
Here is the video:
— rohitkohlirocks@123@ (@21OneTwo34) January 3, 2025
Also WATCH: Steve Smith reacts after 3rd umpire overturns his catch of Virat Kohli on Day 1 of SCG Test – AUS vs IND
Scott Boland finally gets Virat Kohli
Kohli’s reprieve was short-lived, as Boland returned to claim his wicket in the 32nd over. Persisting with his probing lines outside off, Boland delivered a back-of-a-length ball that Kohli jabbed at, only to edge it to third slip. Beau Webster, stationed at the position, dived to his left to complete a sharp catch, sending Kohli back to the pavilion for 17 runs off 69 balls. Kohli’s dismissal marked a turning point.
Also WATCH: Rishabh Pant sustains multiple body blows after being targeted by Australian bowlers on the Day 1 of the SCG Test | AUS vs IND
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