'No denying whatsoever': Steve Smith disagrees with 3rd umpire's call after Virat Kohli narrowly survives golden duck

The opening day of the fifth Test match between India and Australia was filled with excitement as a dramatic moment unfolded involving Virat Kohli and Steve Smith. This incident had fans on the edge of their seats eagerly watching the action unfold in Sydney.

On the very first ball he faced Kohli survived a scare and was granted a stroke of luck. Scott Boland delivered a short of a good length ball pitching it around off stump. Kohli, attempting to play the ball got a thick outside edge that flew towards second slip where Steve Smith made a desperate attempt to catch it.

Smith's effort to claim the catch resulted in the ball deflecting towards Marnus Labuschagne at fourth slip who managed to complete the catch. The Australian team erupted in celebration, with Smith confident that he had taken the catch cleanly, immediately signaling for a review.

OUT or NOT OUT? 

Smith was convinced he had his finger under that ball. 

3rd Umpire gave it NOT OUT. Do you agree?#INDvsAUS #AUSvsIND #Kohli #SteveSmith pic.twitter.com/PPsCDrRTBR

— The Cast Patrol (@thecastpatrol) January 3, 2025

After a tense series of replays, the TV umpire ultimately ruled the decision in Kohli's favor. Despite Smith's assurance that he had caught the ball cleanly, the third umpire determined that the ball had touched the ground before being deflected towards Labuschagne. Kohli, who had narrowly avoided a golden duck, displayed visible relief and a wry smile as he returned to his crease.

At the conclusion of the first session, India had lost three wickets for 57 runs. Despite this, Smith remained steadfast in his belief that the catch had been cleanly taken. In an interview with cricket.com.au, Smith confidently stated, 100%. No denying it whatsoever,” when asked if he believed Kohli was out.

"100%. No denying it whatsoever."

Steve Smith weighs in on whether he got his hand underneath the ball in the biggest moment of the morning. #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/bqIy8iGIRm

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 3, 2025

It was a rare stroke of luck for India, who had already lost two early wickets. The reprieve seemed to inject a glimmer of hope into the team's spirits. However, Kohli's innings was short-lived as he failed to capitalize on the opportunity; he was dismissed early in the second session once again falling victim to a delivery outside the off-stump.

It was Boland who ultimately claimed his wicket, delivering a ball wide outside the off-stump. Kohli, attempting to drive the ball, ended up nicking it to slip fielder Beau Webster.

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