Watch: Virat Kohli Drops Regulation Catch Giving Marnus Another Chance

On zero, Virat Kohli, the star batsman for India, missed a routine catch of Marnus Labuschagne. The visitors could have applied more pressure on the hosts after the Australia international's early dismissal of Nathan McSweeney, particularly after being bundled out for 150 runs, but Kohli was unable to catch the ball at slips. Kohli was positioned at second slip when Labuchagne nicked Jasprit Bumrah's ball, but all he could do was let the ball fall out of both of his hands.

Jasprit Bumrah appeared to take two wickets in three balls on the opening day of the first Test at Perth Stadium, with Australia struggling at 1-14 in response to India's opening innings of 150. Nathan McSweeney, who was making his debut, was trapped leg before wicket by Bumrah for eight runs before Labuschagne nicked to first slip off just his second ball faced.

Virat Kohli Apologizes:

One of the more extraordinary drops you'll see! #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/LdxmEYeWQx

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) November 22, 2024

Usman Khawaja left after reaching eight runs, but Kohli quickly recovered and made a brilliant catch to eliminate him. Australia was reduced to 19/2 when the Delhi-born batsman made a routine catch after the left-handed batter nicked one to the slips. The situation for the Australians got worse when Bumrah sent Steve Smith back to the pavilion for a golden duck in the following delivery.

But in light of Mitchell Starc's drop catch in the Ashes last year, Warner supported Kohli's drop. Starc appeared to have made a regulation catch on the boundary, but it was decided that his catch was missed because he used the hand holding the ball to brace for impact with the ground. Warner thinks that as he braced for contact with the Perth Stadium turf and the ball spilt out, Kohli had this interpretation of the regulations in mind.

During his first stint, Harshit Rana also appeared to be hazardous. India would like to take a few more wickets and finish Australia off quickly, but Marnus Labuschagne didn't seem at ease playing him. 

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