Veteran Australian batter Steve Smith has set a new record for the most catches taken by a fielder in Test cricket, surpassing England’s Joe Root. Smith reached 221 catches during the first Test against South Africa, moving past Root, who previously held the record with 220 catches.
The Australian star now tops the all-time list of fielders with the most catches in Test cricket. Former India captain Rahul Dravid occupies third place on the list with 210 catches. Smith’s achievement adds another milestone to his illustrious international career, highlighting his contributions to Australia beyond his batting performances.
On the other hand, Pat Cummins and Steve Smith delivered impressive performances to put Australia in a commanding position against South Africa on the third day of the opening Test in Durban.
After securing a first-innings lead of 106 runs, Australia reached 33 without losing a wicket in their second innings before bad light brought an early end to play for the third consecutive day.
New opener Nic Maddinson remained unbeaten on 17, while Travis Head was not out on 10 when the players left the field. Only 5.4 overs were bowled in Australia’s second innings.
Maddinson made a positive start after enduring a disappointing return to Test cricket, scoring a 33-ball duck in Australia’s first innings. The opener responded confidently in his second outing, striking Marco Jansen for a boundary off the first ball he faced.
The left-hander added another four in the same over before launching Wiaan Mulder for a six over deep square leg, offering an encouraging response after his first-innings setback.
Maddinson, whose previous three Test appearances came in late 2016, had not scored a Test run since December 29 of that year. Australia’s strong position followed an impressive bowling and fielding display led by Cummins and Smith, leaving South Africa under pressure as the visitors strengthened their grip on the opening Test.