Fifth Test: Ponting Questions Kohli's Not Out Decision, Claims Clear Catch by Smith
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Sydney, Jan 3 (NationPress) In light of extensive discussions regarding whether Virat Kohli was out or not on the opening day of the fifth Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground, former Australian captain Ricky Ponting voiced his skepticism about the not-out call, emphasizing that he believed Steve Smith made a definitive catch.
During the first session, shortly after Yashasvi Jaiswal was sent back to the pavilion by Scott Boland, the seamer came close to securing his second wicket as he found Kohli's outside edge. Smith leaped to his right at second slip to take what appeared to be a catch.
However, it seemed that Smith may have touched the grass while attempting to scoop the ball to Marnus Labuschagne at gully, a detail that TV umpire Joel Wilson noted while declaring Kohli not out after reviewing multiple camera angles.
The ruling on Kohli's not out status has sparked significant debate within the cricket community, particularly as Smith maintained that he had taken the catch cleanly. “I was in the back of the (commentary) box as it unfolded, and based on what I observed and my interpretation of the rules, it appeared to be an out decision to me,” said Ponting.
“The ball may have grazed the ground or it may not have, but the fact that his right index finger remained under the ball, I firmly believed it was a clear catch,” Ponting remarked during The ICC Review show at the SCG after the conclusion of day one.
Ponting, who is serving as a commentator for Channel Seven during the series, acknowledged that the limited television angles available could lead both teams to support their own narratives. “It might depend on which dressing room Kohli is in as well.”
“Every Indian supporter and player will assert that it’s not out, as they believe it clearly touched the ground, but the reaction from the Australians at the moment and even when they viewed the replay on the big screen indicated they were quite confident it was out. I'm sure this topic will resurface throughout the match,” he added.
Kohli was not out at lunch but was ultimately dismissed for 17 in the second session of day one after edging a Boland delivery to Beau Webster at third slip. At stumps, Australia stood at 9/1 after bowling out India for 185 runs.
