Young Indian wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel showcased extraordinary reflexes to grab a sensational one-handed catch, dismissing Mitchell Starc on the stroke of Tea during the ongoing first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Perth. Jurel’s athleticism brought India closer to a commanding victory, leaving the Australian tailenders struggling against a dominant Indian attack.
A moment of brilliance
The moment unfolded when offspinner Washington Sundar bowled a delivery angling in toward Starc. Attempting to flick the ball towards the leg side, Starc made decent contact, but Jurel, positioned at short leg, had other plans. Displaying lightning-fast reflexes, Jurel plucked the ball out of thin air with his right hand as it seemed to sail past him. The stunning catch had Jurel’s teammates rushing to congratulate him, while the umpires called for Tea immediately after the dismissal.
Instant classic! #AUSvIND | #PlayOfTheDay | @nrmainsurance pic.twitter.com/7xI6HVzDan
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) November 25, 2024
India inches closer to victory
With Starc’s dismissal, Australia found themselves eight wickets down, teetering on the brink of defeat. The dismissal not only underlined India’s dominance on the field but also highlighted Jurel’s impact as a promising young talent in Test cricket.
A memorable debut for Jurel
This spectacular moment further adds to Dhruv Jurel’s growing reputation as a dependable fielder and a rising star for India. The one-handed stunner will likely be remembered as one of the standout moments of the Test series. As India went into the Tea break with firm control of the match, Jurel’s effort was celebrated by fans and players alike.
India now looks set to clinch a historic victory in the opening game of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, thanks to brilliant team performances and individual moments of brilliance like Jurel’s acrobatic catch.