Why Joel Wilson Did Not Give Virat Kohli Out After Steve Smith’s Outrageous Catch?

Steve Smith's controversial Catch (Source:@Ashutoshtrip21/X.com)

Virat Kohli is one of the most popular cricketers in the world and whenever he takes the field, there is a sense of excitement. The opposition team also generally targets Kohli because of the quality he brings to the table, and that drama and battle gets a notch higher when he is up against Australia.

The same drama grabbed plenty of eyeballs in the opening session of the fifth Test. On the first ball of Kohli's innings, he edged a delivery to the second slip that went right of Steve Smith and the former Aussie skipper somehow managed to scoop it to Marnus Labushagne who took the catch and the home team started celebrating. Steve Smith was convinced that the ball did not hit the ground and so were other Australian players. 

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Joel Wilson Gives Decision In Virat Kohli's Favour After Close Checkup

However, Joel Wilson, the TV umpire took a close look at it. He saw the catch from the multiple angles and asked for zoomer as well which showed that the ball hit the grass as Smith tried to lift it up. Wilson also asked for slow motion to make sure that he does not get his decision wrong and eventually decided in favour of Virat Kohli as the big screen flashed NOT OUT.

Kohli survived golden duck and ended up staying unbeaten till Lunch even though India lost Shubman Gill at the stroke of Lunch. The star Indian batter would like to build on this lifeline and take India to safer shores as they have already lost top three batters in conditions that are tough for batting.

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