NEW DELHI: Just as the MCG Test had its share of drama, the SCG Test delivered a moment of high tension when a contentious umpiring decision went in favour of India’s star batter Virat Kohli. The drama unfolded in the 8th over when Kohli survived a golden duck on his very first delivery.
After dismissing Yashasvi Jaiswal earlier in the over, Scott Boland nearly claimed his second wicket with a well-directed delivery that found Kohli’s outside edge. The ball flew toward second slip, where Steve Smith dived to his right, scooping it toward Marnus Labuschagne at gully.
However, replays revealed the ball had brushed the ground after rolling off Smith’s fingers—a detail spotted by TV umpire Joel Wilson, who ruled Kohli not out.
The Indian dressing room watched the drama unfold on the big screen, with Rohit Sharma, who had been excluded from the playing XI, visibly tense.
Once the decision came through in Kohli’s favour, Rohit finally sat back, appearing more at ease.
Rohit scored 31 runs in five innings across three Tests.
Last year Rohit guided India to a much-awaited T20 World Cup title.
