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'100 Percent Clean': Steve Smith Drops Bomb On Debatable Virat Kohli Catch

Soumyajit Dutta

Steve Smith makes unfazed claims on controversial catch [Source: @cricketcomau/X.com]Steve Smith makes unfazed claims on controversial catch [Source: @cricketcomau/X.com]

The fifth and final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) opened with high drama as a contentious catch by Steve Smith became the focal point of Day 1. India, batting first on a green-top pitch, found themselves in trouble after losing both openers early. 

Virat Kohli, walking in under immense pressure, nicked a Scott Boland delivery to second slip in the 8th over. Smith dived low to his right and claimed the catch, appearing confident he had completed the dismissal.

However, replays told a different story. The TV umpire, after carefully reviewing multiple angles, ruled that the ball had touched the ground before Smith regained control. Kohli, who had almost started walking off, was given a reprieve and stayed at the crease.

Smith's Confident Claim On Controversial Catch

At the lunch break, host Isa Guha addressed the controversy during a mid-match interview, directly asking Steve Smith if he was confident about the catch. Smith’s response was unflinching. 

“100 percent. Like no denying it whatsoever, 100 percent! But umpires made the decision," Smith remarked unfazed. 

Smith's candid reply highlighted his conviction in the catch while acknowledging the umpire’s authority.

Ponting Comes In Support Of Smith

Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting also came out in support of Smith during his commentary. Ponting strongly argued that Smith’s fingers were clearly underneath the ball, making it a clean catch. He added that if the ball had slipped out, Smith wouldn’t have been able to scoop it back so smoothly.

India Lose Key Wickets Ahead Of Lunch

For India, the decision was a much-needed lifeline after an early collapse. Kohli’s survival brought temporary stability to their innings, with the visitors trying to capitalize on the reprieve. While Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul fell earlier in the day, Shubman Gill also walked back after scoring 20 runs. After lunch, India resumes with Rishabh Pant and Kohli on the crease to survive the Australian heat.