Steve Smith Sets Test Fielding Record as Australia Take Control Against South Africa
Steve Smith broke the Test record for career catches by a fielder as Australia secured a 139-run overall lead over South Africa on the third day in Durban.
Steve Smith made Test cricket history as Australia strengthened their position against South Africa on the third day of the first Test at Kingsmead Stadium in Durban.
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Smith took four catches during South Africa’s first innings, moving his career total to 223 and breaking the Test record for catches by a fielder. He had begun the day on 219, one behind the previous mark associated with England’s Joe Root.
Four catches lift Smith to new mark
Smith first equalled the record when he caught South Africa captain Temba Bavuma. He then claimed the record outright by holding a sharp edge from David Bedingham at second slip off Pat Cummins.
Bedingham’s 49 was the highest score in South Africa’s innings. Smith also caught Verreynne after the batter attempted a reverse sweep, taking the ball with an outstretched right hand. His fourth catch was Anrich Nortje at slip off Beau Webster.
The achievement came in Smith’s 126th Test. His career total now exceeds the catch tallies of 11 specialist wicketkeepers, according to the match report.
South Africa dismissed for 284
South Africa were bowled out for 284 in reply to Australia’s first-innings 390. Six South African batters reached 30, but none converted the start into a larger score, with Bedingham’s 49 the innings’ top contribution.
Australia’s attack maintained pressure throughout the innings, while several South African dismissals followed poor shot selection. Cummins finished with three wickets for 54 runs. Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon took two wickets each.
Australia extend lead before bad light
Australia added 33 runs from 5.4 overs in their second innings before bad light ended play. Nic Maddinson was unbeaten on 17 and Travis Head on 10, leaving Australia with an overall lead of 139 runs.
Maddinson had made a 33-ball duck in Australia’s first innings, but remained at the crease at the close alongside Head. The match report did not state the final result of the Test.
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