Virat Kohli Closes In On Steve Smith In Historic Fielding Dismissals Record

Kohli closes in on Steve Smith [Source: AP Photos]

Virat Kohli and Steve Smith are two of the finest players of this generation and have been chasing each other's record for almost a decade now. Interestingly, Kohli's batting abilities overshadows his fielding brilliance and it was evident during the 3rd Test in Gabba.

He is one of the safest slip fielders of the modern era and it was in full display with the dismissals of Nathan McSweeney and Marnus Labuschagne. He grabbed two brilliant catches and with it, he closes in on another record attained by his Aussie rival, Smith.

Kohli, with the catch of Labuschagne has grabbed 70 catches against the Aussies, the most by any non wicket-keeper across formats.

Most catches taken against one opposition

Smith tops the list with 76 dismissals against his favourite opponent, England. Sri Lankan legend, Mahela Jayawardene is at the second position with 72 catches against England, and another Aussie, Allan Border occupies the fourth spot.

Kohli, comes in at number 4 with 70 catches against Australia. He still has ample time in the series to equal or even surpass Smith's tally.

Australia 104/3 at lunch

Australia batted cautiously on the morning of Day 2, but Jasprit Bumrah quickly struck with quick dismissals of Usman Khawaja and McSweeney. He got his lines and lengths right and gave India the wickets they needed the most.

Labuschagne and Steve Smith had a bit of partnership before Kohli's catch dismissed the number 3 batter. However, sinde then, Smith has added quick-fire runs alongside Travis Head. Both the batters are going strong at the moment, and Head has played his usual fiery knock as the home side are 104/3 at the stroke of lunch.

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