Luck favours Virat Kohli as Steve Smith's scooped 'catch' ruled not out

Things could have been worse for India had Virat Kohli been out first ball on day one of the fifth Test in Sydney. Kohli poked at one outside off against Scott Boland, and the ball flew to second slip, where Steven Smith did well to dive to his right and get a hand on it before popping it up in the air. Marnus Labuschagne standing next to him at gully, then took the catch off a rebound.

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The Australians celebrated as they thought they had the massive wicket of Kohli for a first-ball duck. However, the replays suggested that Smith had partially grassed the ball before popping the ball up in the air, much to the relief of Kohli and thousands of fans at the stadium. 

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Third umpire Joel Wilson took his time but eventually ruled it not out. 

Like he has on many occasions in the series and his Test career, Boland struck off his very first over, getting rid of Yashasvi Jaiswal for 10 off 26, caught by Beau Webster at slip. 

India would have been reduced from 17/1 to 17/3 had Kohli been dismissed for a golden duck, but the former India skipper survived...just about. 

Since his century in the first Test in Perth, Kohli has managed 7, 11, 3, 36, and 5. He desperately needs another big innings. Earlier, India captain Jasprit Bumrah won the toss and opted to bat first on a green top under overcast conditions. Australia lead the five-match series 2-1.