Virat Kohli, known for his exceptional fielding skills, had a rare lapse during the first Test between India and Australia at Perth’s Optus Stadium. The costly mistake came early in Australia’s first innings, giving Marnus Labuschagne a crucial lifeline and potentially altering the game’s momentum.
It happened in the third over of the innings, with Jasprit Bumrah bowling a fiery spell. On the fifth delivery, Bumrah delivered a ball that teased Labuschagne into an outside edge. The ball travelled quickly to Kohli’s right at second slip, a regulation chance for a fielder of his calibre.
Virat Kohli initially seemed to have taken the catch cleanly, but as he dropped to his knees, the ball slipped out of his grasp and hit the turf. Kohli appeared to attempt to pull the ball toward his body to ensure it didn’t touch the ground, but his efforts were in vain.
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The drop left Jasprit Bumrah visibly disappointed, as it was a crucial opportunity to dismiss Labuschagne, a batter known for making the most of such reprieves. For Kohli, the moment was uncharacteristic, as he is often celebrated for his sharp reflexes and safe hands in the slip cordon.
One of the more extraordinary drops you’ll see! #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/LdxmEYeWQx
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) November 22, 2024
This missed chance not only gave Labuschagne a second lease on life but also highlighted the fine margins that can dictate the flow of a Test match. While Kohli’s slip-up might seem minor, in the context of the game, it could prove pivotal if Labuschagne capitalizes on the lifeline to deliver a significant innings for Australia.
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India: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Devdutt Padikkal, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, Dhruv Jurel, Washington Sundar, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Harshit Rana, Jasprit Bumrah (capt), Mohammed Siraj.
Australia: Nathan McSweeney, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins (capt), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood
