[Watch] Dhruv Jurel plucks a one-handed stunner at short-leg to dismiss Mitchell Starc in the 1st 2024-25 BGT Test
Dhruv Jurel claimed a brilliant reflex catch in the dying moments of the second session of Day 4 of the first Border-Gavaskar series Test at the Optus Stadium in Perth to dismiss Mitchell Starc. Playing as a pure batter in the series opener, Jurel used his wicketkeeping instincts to take a one-handed stunner at short-leg as the eighth Australian wicket fell.
Starc, who had played over 100 deliveries in the first innings, was looking for another long stay at the crease after playing out more than 10 overs alongside Alex Carey at the other end.
The left-handed batters gave off-spinner Washington Sundar a favorable match-up, resulting in a series of spells. Starc tried to play out the remainder of the session, but could not survive as he was dismissed in the 54th over. He tried to nudge a ball towards the on-side, but Jurel was prepared for the same after the mistimed connection was with the inside half of the bat.
The Indian fielder, stationed close by at short-leg, stuck out an arm in time over his head, just when the ball was about to go past him to the leg side. Jurel timed his grab to perfection as the ball stuck to his palm to sink Australia further.
Have a look at the brilliant reflex catch right here:
Jurel is no stranger to taking catches, but most of his grabs have come with the gloves on. He had recently equaled MS Dhoni's record of most catches in an innings when he claimed seven during the 2024 Duleep Trophy clash between India A and India B.
Australia on the brink of defeat after Jurel's stunning grab
After a disastrous ending on Day 3, Australia needed a miracle and a half to get anywhere close to the 534-run target set by India. The hosts had the worst possible start to Day 4 after Usman Khawaja perished early. With Steve Smith following suit soon after, Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh offered some resistance.
However, India have kept chipping away with wickets, and are just two more breakthroughs away from a historic win. The Aussies are 227-8 in the final innings, with Alex Carey going strong. They only have Nathan Lyon and Josh Hazlewood remaining with the bat.