“100 Percent”- Steve Smith Speaks Up On Controversial Call Going Virat Kohli’s Way In The 5th Test

Steve Smith, the Australian batter, believed he caught Virat Kohli on the first day of the fifth Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test at Sydney, but even the third umpire disagreed and gave Kohli the benefit of the doubt, expressing that he was not out. It involved a soft signal when Kohli got a tickle to a delivery from Scott Boland, and Smith caught it with ease to his right hand. However, the third umpire, Joel Wilson, was convinced that the ball had landed before Smith could make a proper hold of it.

Nonetheless, Smith declined to challenge that decision, stressing that Australia will forge ahead no matter what. The incident brewing tension that extended to the match since fans debated that Australia got Kohli’s wicket. Clearly, the match is watched keenly because of its implication in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series.

“We move on”- Steve Smith

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Steve Smith for sure claimed that he caught Virat Kohli on Day 1 of the fifth Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test in Sydney. But the third umpire did not agree with Smith and gave a not-out decision to Kohli. The occurrence was in the eighth over when Kohli got an edge to a ball from Scott Boland and was caught by slip fielders.

Smith then went down low to gather the ball and inside the glove switched to throw the ball to Marnus Labuschagne for the near catch. Nonetheless, the third umpire had it right when he felt the ball touched the grass when Smith was holding the ball, thus not out.

When asked about the call, Smith told the media that he was sure he had touched the ball, but did not want to argue, saying that Australia would have to continue.

“100%. No denying it whatsoever. But the umpire has made the decision, so we move on,” Steve Smith said.

India won the toss and elected to bat, making two changes to their eleven. Australia made one change, bringing in uncapped Beau Webster. Australia faces Sydney’s tough task.