Jasprit Bumrah led the Indian team and selected to bat first after winning the toss on a cloudy morning in Sydney. Openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul began cautiously, reaching 11/0 after 4 overs. Australia had a breakthrough in the fifth set when Mitchell Starc dismissed KL Rahul and Sam Konstas took the ball confidently. India’s troubles deepened when Scott Boland removed Jaiswal, resulting in the fall of Virat Kohli. Kohli’s innings got off to a shaky start, narrowly avoiding being dismissed as fortune deserted Steve Smith.
On the fifth ball of the eighth over, Scott Boland played a short outside pass, generating an additional bounce. Virat Kohli, attacking on the back foot, took the bounce and sent the ball low to second slip. Steve Smith reacted quickly, darted to his right and put his hand under the ball, deflecting it into the gully where Marnus Labuschagne accomplished the catch. Australia’s joy was short-lived as the on-field umpire passed the decision to the third umpire. After repeated replays, Joel Wilson ruled that a part of the ball had touched the ground before Smith’s attempt, ensuring Kohli’s salvation. While Kohli smiled at his fortune, Smith greeted the verdict with sporting enthusiasm and social media was abuzz with response to the dramatic moment.
— DJ Sinha (@sdj374531) January 3, 2025
Tension tension!
Rohit Sharma watches the big screen closely as the TV judges judge Virat Kohli’s catch. #INDvsAUS pic.twitter.com/xyOhvpw5BX
— TEJASH 🚩 (@LoyleRohitFan) January 3, 2025
Rohit Sharma was awarded the Golden Duck to Virat Kohli and the BCCI for him #AUSWIN pic.twitter.com/TGfFWDk6BZ
— Jalaad 🔥 Hamzamir (@SaithHamzamir) January 3, 2025
It’s too early to say!
Not outside!
What’s occurring with kohl???? First ball? #INDvsAUS #virus
— Gaurav Jain (@BeinggauravJain) January 3, 2025
yes virat kohli shall be dropped next!
— ridz (@filmkirbys) January 3, 2025
Not really!
Oh?
Virat kohli… Of course
— Pineapple Shawrma🍍🌯 (@Sanu_ki__) January 3, 2025
Virat Kohli’s golden duck…Scott Bolands bunny ra babu 😂
— Kartheek_Özil 🦁 (@Bareddykartheek) January 3, 2025
Watch it again!
Virat Kohli loses the first ball! 😳😳😳
India are down 17 to three
— Omkar Mankame (@Oam_16) January 3, 2025
Yes!
Virat Kohli avoided an absence.
Thank God 🙏 pic.twitter.com/z12rTbFo1g
— Satish Mishra 🇮🇳 (@SATISHMISH78) January 3, 2025