Smith Sets New Catching Record as Australia Take Firm Grip on Test
Smith took three catches to move to 222 in Tests and pass Joe Root as Australia seized control of the opening match.
- On Sunday, October 11, 2026, Steve Smith set the world record for most catches in Test cricket at Kingsmead, reaching 222 career catches and surpassing England's Joe Root.
- Australia holds a dominant position in the first Test after posting 390 runs in their first innings, leaving South Africa trailing by 152 runs with eight wickets down.
- Pat Cummins, Australia's captain, took 3-54 leading a combined bowling effort as South Africa's batsmen played loose shots at crucial junctures throughout the contest.
- Smith showcased outstanding anticipation by taking three superb catches on Sunday, including a flying dive to dismiss David Bedingham against Nathan Lyon's spin bowling.
- South Africa remains at 238/8 trailing by 152 runs at tea on the third day, with Simon Harmer and Keshav Maharaj offering late resistance in an unbeaten partnership.
31 Articles
31 Articles
Sydney Morning Herald
Smith's freakish display in Durban
Steve Smith takes three brilliant catches in Australia's first Test against South Africa.
Quick hits: Smith snatches record with miracle grabs and Marnus fumes
Steve Smith takes a hat-trick of spectacular slip catches, while Marnus Labuschagne is livid to see his effort chalked off. Here are the quick hits from day three of the first Test between Australia and South Africa.
South Africa vs Australia 1st Test, Day 3: Steve Smith breaks record for most Test catches by fielder
Australia’s Steve Smith broke the Test record for the most catches by a fielder when he caught South Africa’s David Bedingham on the third day of the first Test at Kingsmead on Sunday.
Radio France Internationale
rtl.luSmith breaks fielding record as Australia take control of 1st Test
Smith held four catches, taking his total to 223, as South Africa were bowled out for 284 in reply to Australia’s first innings of 390. Nic Maddinson (17 not out) and Travis Head (10 not out) added 33 runs off just 5.4 overs to stretch Australia’s overall lead to 139 before bad light ended play for the third day in a row. Maddinson, who laboured to a 33-ball duck in the first innings, hit two fours off Marco Jansen in the first over of the secon…
Smith breaks fielding record as Australia take first innings lead
Smith held four catches to take his career total to 223, more than any other outfielder, as South Africa were bowled out for 284 in reply to Australia's first innings of 390. The Australian bowlers applied relentless pressure on an easy-paced pitch and a succession of South African batsmen contributed to their own dismissals by playing poor shots. Six Protea batters reached 30 but David Bedingham’s 49 was the top score. Smith started the day on …
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