Steve Smith showcased his resilience and brilliance on Day 4 of the third Test between Australia and India at the Gabba, redeeming himself after a costly drop early in the session. Known as one of the safest hands in the slip cordon, Smith uncharacteristically spilt a simple catch off KL Rahul on the very first delivery of the day, drawing audible gasps from the Australian fielders and the crowd.
Pat Cummins had delivered a near-perfect ball, drawing a thick edge from Rahul, only for Smith to let it slip through his fingers. Visibly frustrated, Smith’s body language reflected his disappointment as the cameras repeatedly zoomed in on him while KL Rahul continued to punish the Australians, hitting boundaries and keeping India’s hopes alive.
However, Smith dramatically turned the tide later in the session with a moment of sheer brilliance that reminded everyone why he is considered a master fielder. In the 44th over, with Nathan Lyon extracting a sharp turn from outside off-stump, Rahul attempted a cut shot off the back foot, despite being cramped for space.
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The resulting edge looked destined to fly past the first slip for a boundary. But Smith, displaying lightning-quick reflexes, dived low to his right and plucked the ball out of thin air with one hand. It was an extraordinary effort—made all the more challenging by the ball dipping sharply as it neared him—leaving even the Indian camp stunned.
WHAT A CATCH FROM STEVE SMITH!
Sweet redemption after dropping KL Rahul on the first ball of the day.#AUSvIND | #PlayOfTheDay | @nrmainsurance pic.twitter.com/d7hHxvAsMd
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 17, 2024
KL Rahul, who had battled hard to score 84 runs, could only look back in disbelief as Smith completed the catch of the series. The dismissal broke a crucial 67-run partnership and handed Australia a timely breakthrough just before Lunch. It was a much-needed redemption moment for Smith, who seemed more relieved than jubilant, as his teammates rushed over to celebrate his incredible effort.
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At Lunch on Day 4, India found themselves struggling at 167 for 6, still trailing Australia by 278 runs and 78 short of avoiding the follow-on. Earlier, Pat Cummins had dismissed Rohit Sharma for just 10, adding further pressure on the visitors. Ravindra Jadeja remained unbeaten on 41 alongside Nitish Kumar Reddy, who was on 7, as India braced for a long fightback to salvage the match.
