Steve Smith is rewriting the Test books, surpassing Joe Root for most catches as a fielder

ByTech Word News

Steve Smith added another remarkable milestone to his illustrious Test career when he surpassed 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 the bowling of Pat Cummins. Batting on 49, Bedingham aimed a hard, backward stroke towards first slip. Smith dived to his left and took a crisp catch to dismiss the South African batsman just one run shy of his half-century.

South Africa vs Australia 1st Test Day 3: Update | Scorecard

The dismissal took Smith to 221 catches as a fielder in Test cricket, moving past Root’s previous record of 220. India’s Rahul Dravid is third on the all-time list with 210 catches, followed by Sri Lanka’s Mahela Jayawardene with 205 and South Africa’s top six with Australia’s R Pont Kalicky Forem200. 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 when he caught South African captain Temba Bavuma off the bowling of Nathan Lyon.

MOST CATCHES AS A FIELD IN TESTS

  • 221* – Steve Smith
  • 220 – Joe Root
  • 210 – Rahul Dravid
  • 205 – M Jayawardene
  • 200 – Jacques Kallis
  • 196 – Ricky Ponting

SMITH CLAPS WITH NEPAL, EYES SECOND-INNING 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, which provided some stability after the top order came under pressure.

However, Marco Jansen ended Smith’s stay shortly after lunch on Day 1. Bowling around the wicket, Jansen delivered a back-length ball that straightened after being pitched. Smith expected the ball to lean into him so he squared up and headed to gully where Wiaan Mulder held a low catch.

Smith’s release caused problems in Australia, but Matt Renshaw’s magnificent 190 helped the visitors recover from 124 for six to a contribution of 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 this area, a substantial contribution with the bat would further boost Australia’s prospects in the competition.

– The end