Steve Smith made history by taking the catch of David Bradingham, ending Joe Root’s reign atop a major record list. Smith achieved this feat in the first innings of the first Test against South Africa.
Steve Smith has become the player with the most catches in Test cricket, surpassing Joe Root. The Australian player achieved this feat on Sunday, the third day of the first Test against South Africa. Smith took the first catch of the hosts’ first innings, that of captain Temba Bavuma, setting the record for the catch he took with David Smith.
Temba Bavuma was dismissed on the third ball of the 28th over of South Africa’s first innings, caught by Steve Smith off Nathan Lyon. Smith then took another brilliant catch off the first ball of the 31st over, this one from David Bedingham, who fell just one run short of his half-century.
Steve Smith becomes the player with most catches in Tests
With the catch of Bedingham, Smith became the leading catcher in Test cricket, surpassing England’s Joe Root. Smith has now taken 221 catches in Tests. Root, with 220, has moved into second place.
Top 5 fielders with most catches in Test cricket
- 221*- Steve Smith (Australia)
- 220*- Joe Root (England)
- 210- Rahul Dravid (India)
- 205- Mahela Jayawardene (Sri Lanka)
- 200- Jacques Kallis (South Africa)
Australia vs South Africa: In the first Test, Australia’s first innings ended at 390 runs. Matt Renshaw top-scored with 190 runs. Willem Mulder took four wickets for South Africa in the first innings. Marco Jansen took three, and Anrich Nortje took two.
South Africa’s first innings is underway. At the time of writing this, the team has scored 188 runs but has lost six wickets. Australia captain Pat Cummins bowled brilliantly, taking three of the first six wickets.
