Steve Smith now holds the Test record for the most career catches taken by a fielder. The milestone came on the third day of the opening Test against hosts South Africa, where Australia have built a strong position.
Smith held four catches on Sunday, lifting his career total to 223. South Africa were dismissed for 284 in their reply to Australia’s 390 in the first innings, at Kingsmead Stadium in Durban. Bad light then stopped play for the third straight day, with Australia’s overall lead at 139.
Smith’s catching milestone at Kingsmead Stadium
Smith began the day one catch behind England’s Joe Root, on 219. He first matched the record by taking a catch off Temba Bavuma. He then broke it by diving to his left from second slip to hold a sharp edge from David Bedingham off Pat Cummins.
Later, Smith took a spectacular catch to remove Verreynne, who had made firm contact with a reverse sweep. His fourth catch came when last man Anrich Nortje edged a delivery from Beau Webster to slip. Smith’s career haul now exceeds the total of all but 11 specialist wicketkeepers.
Australian bowlers press on against South Africa
Australia’s attack kept up relentless pressure on a pitch that offered little pace, and several South African batters gave their wickets away with poor shots. Six Protea batters reached 30, but Bedingham’s 49 was the highest score. Cummins finished with three for 54, while Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon each took two wickets.
Nic Maddinson, who had made a 33-ball duck in the first innings, struck two fours off Marco Jansen in the opening over of Australia’s second innings. He added a six off Wiaan Mulder before play was called off. Travis Head remained unbeaten on 10 at the close, with Maddinson on 17.
