The decision was referred to the TV umpire, who ruled ace India batter Virat Kohli not out. While Indian fans heaved a sigh of relief, several former Australian cricketers, besides Steve Smith, believed that the ball was definitely caught by him.

AUS Vs IND, 5th Test: Steve Smith and Virat Kohli combine for a viral moment during the India Vs Australia 5th Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground, as the Australian 'nearly' managed to procued a golden duck dismissal of the Indian batter with a sensational take in slip region.

Virat Kohli was handed a lifeline when he was batting on 0 in the first innings of the final Test in Sydney. Steve Smith's effort in the slip cordon was deemed not out by third umpire Joel Wilson, leading to mixed reactions.

India struggled early against Australia with the loss of openers KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal. Virat Kohli survived a controversial catch claim by Steve Smith. Third umpire ruled Kohli not out. Former players Justin Langer and Ricky Ponting believed Smith had his fingers under the ball.

Steve Smith insisted that Virat Kohli's catch was legitimate, allowing the Indian batsman to avoid getting out for a duck in Sydney.

Virat Kohli edged the first delivery of his innings and the ball flew to Steve Smith.Smith dived low to his right, seemingly catching the ball near the ground before flicking it upward toward gully, where Marnus Labuschagne completed the catch.

Australia's Steve Smith claims a catch that would have dismissed Virat Kohli first ball, but the officials rule in favour of the Indian batter on day one of the fifth Test.