Sydney [Australia]: Former Australian cricket captain Ricky Ponting has strongly defended the catch claimed by Steve Smith to dismiss Indian batting star Virat Kohli during the first innings of the fifth Test at the SCG in Sydney. Ponting believes it was a “clear catch,” despite the controversy that followed the third umpire’s not-out decision.
The Incident
Kohli, who was already struggling throughout the series, scored just 17 runs off 69 balls in the first innings without hitting a boundary. His departure came early in India’s innings at a precarious 17/2, when he edged a delivery from Scott Boland towards Steve Smith at second slip. Smith extended low to his right and appeared to catch the ball between his thumb and index finger, which he then flicked towards Marnus Labuschagne, who caught it cleanly. However, Kohli stood his ground and reviewed the decision.
Upon reviewing the replays, third umpire Joel Wilson decided that the ball had touched the ground during the process, leading him to rule the catch as not out, in accordance with Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) Law 33, which governs the legality of catches.
Ponting’s Stance
Ponting, who witnessed the moment from the commentary box, was unconvinced by the not-out decision. He stated, “From what I saw, and what I believe to be the interpretation of the rules, that seemed to be out to me. The ball may have touched the ground, it may not have, but the fact that his right index finger was still underneath the ball, I thought it was a clear catch.”
Ponting further elaborated, explaining that the limited camera angles led to differing opinions. “Every Indian fan and player will say that is not out as it clearly touched the ground, but you could tell by the reaction of the Australians when it happened that they were pretty confident it was out,” he added.
Kohli’s Continued Struggles
Kohli’s wicket continued his poor form in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy. In the series, he had made just 184 runs at an average of 26.28, with one century and only two scores above 20. In the World Test Championship 2023-25, Kohli’s tally was just 745 runs from 14 matches, with an average of 33.86. His struggles with deliveries outside the off-stump, particularly against pacer Scott Boland, were evident in the match, where he was dismissed twice by Boland.
Kohli’s overall record in Tests since 2020 has been underwhelming, with 2,022 runs from 39 Tests at an average of 31.10, with only three centuries and nine half-centuries to his name.
India’s Batting Collapse
India’s batting once again faltered early, with the top order failing to convert starts. Rishabh Pant (40), Ravindra Jadeja (26), and Jasprit Bumrah (22) fought hard to push India to a total of 185 all out in 72.2 overs. Scott Boland was the standout bowler for Australia, taking 4/31, while Mitchell Starc claimed 3/49, and Pat Cummins took 2/37.
Despite the early setbacks, India’s lower order fought back, but their efforts were not enough to prevent Australia from dominating the first innings. The match, as Ponting predicted, will likely continue to be discussed heavily, especially in light of Kohli’s ongoing struggles and the controversial catch.