IND vs AUS: Out Or Not Out? Virat Kohli Gets Saved By Third Umpire After Steve Smith Takes Stunning Catch

The Day 1 of Sydney Test match between India and Australia witnessed a dramatic moment when Virat Kohli survived what could have been a golden duck against Scott Boland. Kohli edged his first delivery, a back-of-a-length ball, to Steve Smith in the slips.

Initially, it appeared that Smith had taken a clean catch, raising Australia's hopes of removing Kohli early. However, the on-field umpires referred the decision to the third umpire for a closer look.

Replays revealed that Smith, while attempting the catch, lost his balance and the ball momentarily touched the ground before he passed it to a nearby fielder who completed the rebound. The slow-motion footage showed that Smith's fingers were just under the ball, but as he fell, the ball seemed to bounce off the turf before reaching the assisting fielder.

After multiple reviews, third umpire Joel Wilson concluded that there was clear evidence of the ball touching the ground before Smith had full control of it. Wilson stated, "I can clearly see the ball roll off the grass," and ruled in Kohli's favor, allowing the Indian star to continue his innings.

This decision reduced the pressure on India during a tense morning session and denied Boland a chance to claim two wickets in two balls. The incident highlighted the importance of technology in modern cricket and added to the intensity of the high-stakes encounter.

"He could probably build a case for either decision to be given. (Wilson) believes he's seen the ball on the ground and called it way he's seen it. Normally the ICC protocol on fair catches is if you see the fingers underneath the ball, that's good to maintain a fair catch. But here's the problem - the on-field umpires no longer have the soft signal and make the decision, it's purely in the hands of the television umpire now," former umpire Simon Taufel said on Channel 7.

Later on Kohli was dismissed for 17 runs as Boland managed to get the wicket he wanted.