Former Australia skipper Steve Smith showcased another surreal moment of slip-catching during Day 4 of the third Test against India at the Gabba in Brisbane on Tuesday, December 17. Steve Smith took a sharp one-handed catch while fielding at first slip to dismiss well-set Indian batter KL Rahul.
India started the fourth day’s play at 51/4 with Rahul (33) and Rohit Sharma (0) at the crease. However, the visiting team lost Rohit Sharma for just 10 runs in the first session. However, Rahul showed resilience against the Australian attack to steady the team with Ravindra Jadeja to avoid the follow-on.
Watch – Steve Smith Pulls Off One of the Greatest Slip Catches to Dismiss KL Rahul
Steve Smith pulled off one of the greatest catches in the slip cordon to dismiss KL Rahul. In the 44th over, Nathan Lyon bowled a delivery that spun from outside off-stump, and Rahul tried to play a cut shot off the back foot. It was a thick edge from Rahul and seemed destined to race past the first slip.
However, Smith reacted instantly, diving low to his right to pluck the ball out of the air with his right hand. Rahul, who batted patiently, was visibly stunned by the catch. He was dismissed for 87 runs, just 13 short of a well-deserved century. Smith’s incredible catch left commentators and fans in awe.
Take a look at the video of the incident below:
WHAT A CATCH FROM STEVE SMITH!
Sweet redemption after dropping KL Rahul on the first ball of the day.#AUSvIND | #PlayOfTheDay | @nrmainsurance pic.twitter.com/d7hHxvAsMd
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 17, 2024
KL Rahul Dropped on 33 Runs by Steve Smith on First Ball
Smith was visibly pumped up after taking the stunning catch, especially since he had dropped a simple chance earlier in the day. Pat Cummins bowled a perfect line and length to induce a thick edge from Rahul on the first delivery of the day. However, Smith failed to hold on to the simple catch.
Rahul was on 33 runs when the catch was dropped. Smith appeared frustrated as TV cameras frequently focused on him throughout the session. The Indian opener added 51 runs after Smith dropped him. Rahul was dismissed after a very well-made 84 off 139 balls, leaving India at 6/145 after 43 overs.
Just Have Seen One of the Finest Ever – Rajdeep Sardesai
Journalist Rajdeep Sardesai took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to praise Steve Smith for an incredible slip catch to dismiss KL Rahul, calling it one of the finest he has seen in over five decades of watching cricket. He also acknowledged great catches by Mark Waugh, Ajinkya Rahane, and Rahul Dravid.
“Good morning! I have seen slip catches and then a few more over five decades of watching cricket . But just have seen one of the finest ever, if not the FINEST catch of a spinner ! (Mark Waugh, Rahane and Rahul Dravid took some stunners too) And to think that Steve Smith dropped an absolute sitter on the first ball of the day. The unpredictable story of life: you drop some, you grab other opportunities. Bas lage raho ! ⭐️👍 #INDvsAUS,” Rajdeep Sardesai wrote.
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