Smith's catches put Australia in control at Durban

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 11 Oct, 11:24 · Archive

Steve Smith took two catches as South Africa slumped to 4-115 at lunch on day three of the first Test in Durban.

Steve Smith took two catches to put Australia in control of the first Test in Durban, leaving South Africa at 4-115 at lunch on day three at Kingsmead Stadium. Smith's fielding proved decisive after South Africa made a strong start to their reply to Australia's 390, adding 60 runs from the first ten overs without loss as Aiden Markram and David Beddingham drove regularly to the cover boundary.

Smith first dismissed captain Temba Bavuma for three, intercepting a reverse sweep at slip. The catch required Smith to anticipate the stroke before Bavuma hit the ball and move to his right into position. Three overs later, Smith leapt across at second slip to catch Beddingham for 49 off Pat Cummins's bowling.

Beddingham had been particularly aggressive, hitting Mitchell Starc for three straight fours through cover, mid-wicket and backward point. But when Starc had Markram caught at slip to a ball that angled in, South Africa's momentum stalled and Australia's bowlers took control by dragging back their lengths.

How it is being reported

• Smith's smarts give Australia big advantage in DurbanSouth Africa have fallen to 4-115 at lunch on day three in Durban, with Steve Smith reclaiming the world record for most catches with two pieces of brilliance.Perth Now · 11 Oct, 11:03
• Smith's smarts give Australia big advantage in DurbanSouth Africa have fallen to 4-115 at lunch on day three in Durban, with Steve Smith reclaiming the world record for most catches with two pieces of brilliance.The West Australian · 11 Oct, 11:02

In this story: Steve Smith · South Africa · Australia · Durban · Temba Bavuma · David Beddingham · Aiden Markram

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