India’s wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant showcased his exceptional reflexes by taking a remarkable catch to dismiss Australia’s Steve Smith on Day 4 of the first Test in Perth. The dismissal added to Smith’s struggles in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 opener, where he failed to make a significant impact with the bat.
Australia, chasing a mammoth target, lost their first wicket early when Usman Khawaja fell for just 4 runs. Steve Smith and Travis Head attempted to stabilize the innings with a promising partnership, but Mohammed Siraj struck again, claiming his second wicket of the day by sending Smith back to the pavilion.
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The pivotal moment came in the 25th over of Australia’s second innings. Mohammed Siraj delivered a ball outside the off-stump that straightened just enough to trouble Steve Smith. The Australian batter, attempting a defensive shot, edged it, and Pant flew to his right, completing a sensational catch. Smith, who had been dismissed for a golden duck in the first innings, managed only 17 runs off 60 balls in his second outing, a performance that left the Australian camp in further disarray.
DSP Sahab #MohammadSiraj is on a hunt 🫡, and Australia is feeling the pressure!
📺 #AUSvINDOnStar 👉 1st Test, Day 4, LIVE NOW! #AUSvIND #ToughestRivalry pic.twitter.com/M76h20xi4l
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) November 25, 2024
At the lunch break, Australia had reached 104/5, with Travis Head fighting valiantly on 63 off 72 balls, including seven boundaries. Mitchell Marsh joined him at the crease, contributing 5 runs off 23 deliveries before the interval. Despite Head’s resistance, Australia faces a monumental task, needing 430 more runs to win—a feat that seems increasingly out of reach.
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India, led by Jasprit Bumrah, will aim to wrap up the match within the next two sessions. With momentum firmly on their side, it remains to be seen if the visitors can seal an emphatic victory or if Australia can muster a miraculous comeback post-lunch.
