Steve Smith breaks Test fielding record against South Africa

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 12 Oct, 09:48 · Archive

Steve Smith broke the record for career Test catches, reaching 223 as Australia dominated South Africa.

Steve Smith broke the Test record for career catches by a fielder on the third day of the first Test between Australia and South Africa at Kingsmead Stadium in Durban. Smith held four catches during South Africa's second innings, taking his total to 223 and surpassing the previous record held by Joe Root of England. He equalled the record when he caught Temba Bavuma, then broke it by catching David Bedingham off Pat Cummins at second slip.

South Africa were bowled out for 284 in reply to Australia's first innings of 390. Six South African batters reached 30, but Bedingham's 49 was the top score. Australian captain Pat Cummins took three for 54, with Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon claiming two wickets each.

Australia then opened their second innings, with Nic Maddinson and Travis Head taking advantage of the conditions. Maddinson hit two fours and a six in the opening overs, and the pair added 33 runs off just 5.4 overs to extend Australia's overall lead to 139 before bad light ended play for the third day running.

How it is being reported

• Steve Smith breaks Test fielding record as Australia dominate South AfricaSmith moves to 223 career catches, a record for fielders, as Australia bowl out South Africa for 284 in reply to 390.Al Jazeera · 12 Oct, 09:17
• Quick hits: Smith snatches record with miracle grabs and Marnus fumesSteve 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.ABC News Australia · 11 Oct, 19:47

In this story: Steve Smith · South Africa · Australia · Pat Cummins · David Bedingham · Joe Root · Kingsmead Stadium · Durban

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