NEW DELHI: A rare slip-up from Virat Kohli in the slips provided Marnus Labuschagne with an early reprieve on Friday during the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Perth.
The costly miss occurred in the third over of Australia’s innings after India’s dismal first-innings total of 150 had already put the hosts in command.
It was Jasprit Bumrah, leading India as captain, who inspired the edge.
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Delivering a full-length ball angling in before seaming away, Bumrah forced Labuschagne into an uncertain poke.
The Australian batter nicked it cleanly, sending a healthy edge straight to Kohli at first slip. Positioned perfectly at the second slip, Kohli didn’t have to move much—just crouch and cup his hands low to his right.
However, the Indian stalwart, known for his reliable fielding, let the ball hit his palms before it popped out.
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For a moment, the slip cordon thought Kohli might have salvaged it as he appeared to clutch the ball against his body, but the former skipper quickly signaled that the chance had gone begging.
Replays showed that Kohli, who would later take a catch to dismiss Usman Khawaja, may have taken the initial catch cleanly but lost control as he tried to rise and celebrate.
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The error stunned both his teammates and fans, as Kohli is usually a safe pair of hands in the cordon.
The drop gave Labuschagne, one of Australia’s most prolific batsmen, a crucial lifeline. With India already on the back foot, such lapses could prove costly in the context of the match.
India’s batting collapse earlier in the day had placed enormous pressure on their bowlers. With India taking early wickets, Labuschagne’s scalp at that beginning would have been vital for Team India.