Steve Smith became the most prolific fielder in Test cricket history during the first Test between South Africa and Australia at Kingsmead. On Day 3, he caught David Bedingham to reach 221 catches, moving past Joe Root. Smith showed great skill in the slips to set this new world record.
Steve Smith added another remarkable milestone to his illustrious Test career, surpassing England's Joe Root to become the most prolific fielder in Test cricket history during the first Test between South Africa and Australia at Kingsmead in Durban.
Smith achieved the feat on Day 3 when he caught David Bedingham off Pat Cummins' bowling. Batting on 49, Bedingham edged a hard, back-of-a-length delivery towards first slip. Smith dived to his left and completed a sharp catch to dismiss the South African batter just one run short of his half-century.
South Africa vs Australia, 1st Test Day 3: Updates | Scorecard
The dismissal took Smith's tally to 221 catches as a fielder in Test cricket, moving him past Root's previous record of 220. India's Rahul Dravid sits third on the all-time list with 210 catches, followed by Sri Lanka's Mahela Jayawardene with 205 and South Africa's Jacques Kallis with 200. Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting completes the top six with 196 catches.
Root had set the previous record during the third Test against India at Lord's last year. Smith had already made his presence felt in the slips earlier on Day 3, catching South African captain Temba Bavuma off Nathan Lyon's bowling.
MOST CATCHES AS FIELDER IN TESTS
221* - Steve Smith
220 - Joe Root
210 - Rahul Dravid
205 - M Jayawardene
200 - Jacques Kallis
196 - Ricky Ponting
SMITH FALTERS WITH THE BAT, EYES SECOND-INNINGS REDEMPTION
While Smith excelled in the field, his contribution with the bat in Australia's first innings was modest. The experienced right-hander scored 25 off 53 deliveries, including two sixes, after arriving at the crease following an early setback for the visitors. He shared a 60-run partnership with Marnus Labuschagne, providing some stability after the top order came under pressure.
However, Marco Jansen ended Smith's stay shortly after lunch on Day 1. Bowling from around the wicket, Jansen delivered a back-of-a-length ball that straightened after pitching. Expecting the ball to angle into him, Smith was squared up and edged it towards gully, where Wiaan Mulder held a low catch.
Smith's dismissal left Australia in trouble, but Matt Renshaw's magnificent 190 helped the visitors recover from 124 for six to post 390.
With Australia looking to strengthen their position in Durban, Smith will be eager to make amends with the bat in the second innings. Having already made history in the field, a substantial contribution with the bat would further boost Australia's prospects in the contest.