"100 per cent" - Steve Smith opens up on contenious call going Virat Kohli's way in BGT 2024-25 5th Test

Australia's star batter Steve Smith strongly believes he had his fingers firmly underneath the ball despite the third umpire ruling Virat Kohli not out on Day 1 (Friday, January 3) of the fifth Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 Test in Sydney. However, Smith refused to dispute the umpire's decision, saying Australia will move on.

The moment occurred in the eighth over as Kohli walked out to bat after Scott Boland nipped out Yashasvi Jaiswal (10). The right-handed batter edged the first ball he faced to the slip cordon. Smith did well to get low before flicking it to Marnus Labuschagne at gully, as the latter completed the catch. However, the third umpire concluded that the ball had touched the grass while still in Smith's hand and ruled it not out.

When asked about the contentious call by Isa Guha on Fox Cricket, the 35-year-old said (via cricket.com.au on X):

"100%. No denying it whatsoever. But the umpire has made the decision, so we move on."

The former Aussie captain has taken some outstanding catches in the slip cordon, playing a chief role in the hosts being 2-1 up in the five-Test series.

Virat Kohli survives through to Lunch but India lose three wickets in opening session

Virat Kohli. (Image Credits: Getty)

Meanwhile, Kohli managed to bat himself through to Lunch but the tourists slipped to 57/3 in the opening session on Day 1. Scott Boland and Mitchell Starc sent back Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul, respectively, while Nathan Lyon removed Shubman Gill on the final ball before Lunch.

It was India who won the toss and elected to bat, announcing two changes to their eleven. With Rohit Sharma opting for rest, Shubman Gill replaced him. The other change was Prasidh Krishna replacing the injured Akash Deep. Australia triggered one change to their playing eleven, bringing in the uncapped Beau Webster for Mitchell Marsh.

After losing the toss, Australia face the tough task of winning in Sydney and ensuring their spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.