"It was a clear...": Beau Webster’s bold verdict on Steve Smith’s Virat Kohli catch at SCG

Australian debutant Beau Webster has shared his views on Steve Smith’s controversial drop of Virat Kohli on Day 1 of the ongoing New Year’s Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 against India at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) in Sydney on Friday, January 3.

On Day 1, the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) witnessed high drama when Virat Kohli narrowly escaped dismissal against Australia. The tense moment unfolded in the 7.5th over of India's first session when Virat Kohli stepped onto the crease, replacing Yashasvi Jaiswal.

Virat Kohli survives close call at the SCG as Beau Webster shares insights

Facing his very first delivery from Australian pacer Scott Boland, Kohli had a lucky escape from what could have been another embarrassment for him. Scott Boland bowled a length delivery that caught the edge of Kohli's bat, sending the ball towards the slip cordon.

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Steve Smith, who was stationed in the slips, made an attempt to grab the catch, but the ball brushed the turf just before being picked up by another Australian fielder at gully. The on-field umpire referred the close call to the third umpire, Joel Wilson, who carefully reviewed multiple camera angles.

After a thorough examination, the decision went in India's favor, allowing Kohli to continue his innings, but he failed to make the most of the given lifeline in Sydney. Now, adding to the tension, Beau Webster expressed his disappointment, saying that while the initial view seemed clear, slow-motion replays confirmed the ball making contact with the ground.

It's just a matter of how much the grass touched the ball: Beau Webster

Beau Webster said at the post-match press conference after the end of Day 1 at the SCG: “Yeah, I had a good view. I thought it was a clear catch from where I was at the point. Obviously, when you slow it down and the replays and the slow-motions, there is probably some grass that's touched that ball. It's just a matter of how much the grass touched the ball.”

He also highlighted the challenges of low catches and the increasing reliance on advanced technology in modern cricket. However, Webster said that the Australian team was very happy that Kohli failed to convert his reprieve into a century, but the incident became a major talking point.

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Beau Webster explained, “Whenever you get a low catch, there's always going to be an element of grass close to the ball, especially when you slow it down. So, we all thought it was out, and unfortunately it didn't go our way, but we're all pretty happy that Virat Kohli didn't get 100 after it.”

It was a difficult call for the third umpire as well: Beau Webster

He signed off by saying, “It was a difficult one. It's always difficult for a third umpire when you do have that sort of replay and you have so much slow-motion technology these days. I feel like it was a bit inevitable in the end there when how close that ball did get to the turf. Yeah, a little bit.”

Notably, Virat Kohli was eventually removed by Scott Boland by just 17 runs off 69 balls as India could post only 185 runs on the board in their first innings against Australia in the ongoing New Year’s Test.