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Steve Smith added another notable achievement to his illustrious Test career during the first Test between South Africa and Australia in Durban. The Australian batter continued to make his presence felt in the field, with a couple of important catches bringing him closer to a significant milestone. Smith’s latest achievement saw him move past England’s Joe Root in a major Test cricket record. His effort further highlighted his consistency in the field across a career filled with memorable performances.
Smith takes two crucial catches against South Africa
Smith first caught South African captain Temba Bavuma off Nathan Lyon’s bowling. The catch marked his 220th in Test cricket and his 64th off Lyon, highlighting the successful combination between the Australian spinner and the fielder. He then produced another important moment by taking a diving catch to his left at first slip to dismiss David Bedingham off Pat Cummins.
Bedingham was batting on 49 when Smith completed the catch, bringing his tally to 221 Test catches. The second dismissal proved particularly significant, as Smith moved past Root, who had held the previous benchmark with 220 catches. Rahul Dravid sits third on the list with 210 catches, followed by Mahela Jayawardene with 205, Jacques Kallis with 200 and Ricky Ponting with 196.
Australia maintain their advantage in Durban
Australia posted 390 in their first innings before bowling South Africa out for 284, securing a lead of 106 runs. The visitors then continued to extend their advantage in the second innings, with Matt Renshaw scoring 52 before falling to Simon Harmer. Alex Carey added 24 before being dismissed by Keshav Maharaj, while South Africa’s bowlers worked to slow Australia’s progress.
With the pitch becoming more difficult as the match progressed, Australia were looking to add further runs before declaring and putting South Africa under pressure in the fourth innings.
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