KL Rahul pulls off STUNNING one-handed catch to dismiss Usman Khawaja in second Test against India

KL Rahul made an impressive catch to see off Usman Khawaja as Australia worked hard on Day 1 of the second test in Delhi on Friday.

With the visitors at 5-167, there seemed little danger for the Australian opener as they looked to sweep Ravindra Jadeja on the last ball of the 45.

Rahul, however, had other ideas and dove to his right, completing a one-handed grab to send Khawaja on his way.

“That’s absolutely blind,” India great Ravi Shastri said in a commentary on Fox Cricket.

‘It has come out of nowhere and Usman Khawaja is in disbelief. […] catches like that can turn matches.

KL Rahul (left) made an excellent catch to dismiss Usman Khawaja in the second Test

KL Rahul latched on to a sensational one-handed hold to remove Khawaja, who had looked to reverse sweep Ravindra Jadeja towards the wing.

Former Australian national selector Mark Waugh echoed his colleague’s thoughts: “That’s the kind of catch that can change the game,” he said.

“Khawaja has played very well and he will consider himself very unlucky there.”

Khawaja’s 81 was his highest score against India, surpassing the 72 he scored in Perth in 2018.

The veteran opener combined brilliantly with Peter Handscomb, making a 59-run partnership for the fifth wicket as Australia rallied after trailing 4-108.

Khawaja was quickly followed into the sheds by Alex Carey, who was offside after Ravi Ashwin slipped in first, where Virat Kohli made no mistake.

But Pat Cummins and Handscomb steadied the ship, adding 31 runs together as the tourists came to the tea break at 6-199.

Earlier, Australia won the toss and opted to bat as they looked to square off the series after being beaten by one innings and 132 runs in Nagpur.

“It looks like the middle has a bit of grass, but it’s pretty bare on both ends,” Cummins said at the launch.

Khawaja anchored Australia’s innings and led a crucial fight with Peter Handscomb

The 81 from the Australian opener was his highest score against India in Test cricket.

“So I guess there will be a bit of a twist there, it’s a good challenge for our team.”

We’ve all lost games before and had to bounce back, so that’s the challenge for the group this week. It has been a very good preparation and everyone is looking forward to it.’

David Warner and Khawaja compiled an unbeaten standing of 50 runs, before the former was dismissed for 15 as Mohammad Shami got the breakthrough as he got the veteran opener into one behind Srikar Bharat.

Marnus Labuschagne hit 18 before he was caught by Ashwin underweight and the star spinner struck again to remove Steve Smith for a second-ball duck, which left the Aussies in disarray at 3-91.