Steve Smith plucked a one-handed blinder in the slips to deny KL Rahul a well-deserved century on Day 4 of the third Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test between Australia and India at the Gabba.

The day’s play got off to a dramatic start as Smith dropped a sitter on the very first ball at second slip to give Rahul a lifeline. It cost Australia as well, with the Indian opener adding another 51 runs to his and the team’s score.

Rahul was looking set for a hundred but Smith’s brilliance on the field sent him packing for 84. During the 43rd over India’s first innings, Rahul tried to cut off-spinner Nathan Lyon while rocking back on a length delivery and got a thick outside edge that looked like flying past Smith's outstretched right arm in the slips.

However, the Aussie star showcased his sharp reflexes to grab the ball out of thin air with one hand. It was an outstanding catch from Smith as he completed a sweet redemption and provided his team with an all-important breakthrough in the game.

India started the day at a precarious 51/4 in reply to Australia's formidable first innings total of 445. It soon became 74/5 after captain Rohit Sharma (10) got out early in the day, edging Pat Cummins to wicketkeeper Alex Carey.

Jadeja (52*) and Nitish Reddy (9*) are out in the middle for the visitors, who are still trailing Australia by 265 runs in their first innings and need 66 more runs to avoid follow-on as rain continues to interrupt the Brisbane Test match.