Social Media Reacts as Steve Smith Creates History with 223 Test Catches
Steve Smith set a new Test cricket fielding record with 223 career catches as Australia strengthened their position against South Africa at Kingsmead on Sunday. Australia dismissed South Africa for 284, securing a 106-run first-innings lead after scoring 390. Pat Cummins claimed three wickets, while Matt Renshaw’s 190 helped Australia gain control of the match.
As the cricket world turns its attention to the first Test between Australia and South Africa, Steve Smith has made history by becoming the most successful fielder in Test cricket, reaching 223 career catches. On Sunday, Smith claimed four catches on the third day at Kingsmead in Durban, surpassing England’s Joe Root, who previously held the record with 220 catches. Australia strengthened their position after bowling South Africa out for 284 in response to their first-innings total of 390, securing a 106-run lead.
Captain Pat Cummins led the bowling attack with three wickets for 54 runs, while Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon took two wickets each. David Bedingham was South Africa’s highest scorer with 49 runs. Australia ended the day at 33 without loss in their second innings, extending their overall lead to 139 runs before bad light stopped play.
Nic Maddinson remained unbeaten on 17, while Travis Head was not out on 10. Matt Renshaw’s outstanding 190 in Australia’s first innings also proved crucial, particularly through his record 134-run ninth-wicket partnership with Nathan Lyon. With two days remaining, Australia are in a commanding position, while Smith’s remarkable fielding achievement has become a major highlight of the match.
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