Published 14:09 IST, February 17th 2023
IND vs AUS: KL Rahul leaves everyone stunned with extraordinary catch to dismiss Khawaja
KL Rahul picked a stunning catch off the bowling of Ravindra Jadeja to dismiss Usman Khawaja. Rahul had to fly past to his right to grab the traveling ball.
- SportFit
- 3 min read
KL Rahul picked a stunning catch off the bowling of Ravindra Jadeja to dismiss Usman Khawaja. Rahul had to fly past to his right to grab the traveling ball. With this dismissal, Australia are currently 171 for 6 and could be in a spot of bother as the majority of the batsman have gone back to the pavilion.
On the first day of the Delhi Test, India is again approaching to tighten its shackles on the match. The hosts are having a splendid time in the field led by KL Rahul who has been sharp in his catching. Rahul first took the catch of Mohammad Shami's bowling to send back Travis Head and followed it up with a brilliant one-hander to dismiss Usman Khawaja, who was batting at 81. Courtesy of the on-field display by India, Australia are facing a scare to give India another low total.
Watch the incredible effort of KL Rahul to dismiss Usman Khwaja
Ashwin (2/29 in 10 overs) removed Marnus Labuschagne (18) and Steve Smith (0) in quick succession despite Khawaja's well compiled knock that had eight fours and a six over extra cover off the senior off-spinner.
This was after Khawaja and David Warner (15) added 50 runs for the opening stand as the visiting team gave a better account of themselves after skipper Pat Cummins opted to bat first.
While Khawaja was more assertive with his footwork and started with a square driven boundary, Warner struggled a lot during the first hour.
In fact, the Kotla strip aided better bounce and carry with Mohammed Siraj (0/14 in 6 overs) bowling a brisk first spell.
While Mohammed Shami (1/31 in 6 overs) erred in length during his first three-over spell from the Old Pavilion End, Siraj bowled quick and hurried both Warner and Khawaja with pace and bounce.
Warner's slowed down reflexes cause him trouble with Siraj rattling him with quick deliveries. Warner got hit on the elbow, which required medical attention and then on the head, which required on-field concussion test.
Having been softened up by Siraj, skipper Rohit Sharma changed Shami's end and brought him from the Delhi Gate side.
Having pushed him on the backfoot, Shami went wide of the crease and angled one in, forcing Warner to jab at it and the regulation catch was accepted by keeper Kona Bharat.
Khawaja, however, started using his feet against Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja (0/11 in 3 overs) and collected a few boundaries but it was Labuschagne, who got an off-break from Ashwin that beat him and DRS went in favour of India.
In case of Smith, full credit to keeper Bharat's reflexes and technique as he kept a low centre of gravity and nick was collected inches off the ground to unsettle Australia who had good first 90 minutes before losing track.
(with PTI inputs)
Updated 16:33 IST, February 17th 2023