Steve Smith Breaks Test Record for Most Catches by a Fielder as Australia Lead South Africa in 1st Test

Steve Smith created Test cricket history by becoming the fielder with the most career catches, helping Australia take control of the first Test against South Africa at Kingsmead on Sunday.

Smith claimed four catches on the third day to take his tally to 223, surpassing England’s Joe Root. His record-breaking moment came when he caught David Bedingham, who scored 49, off Australia captain Pat Cummins.

South Africa were bowled out for 284 in reply to Australia’s first-innings total of 390. Cummins led the attack with three wickets, while Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon claimed two each. Six South African batters passed 30, but none converted their starts into a half-century. Aiden Markram made 37, Tristan Stubbs scored 32 and Keshav Maharaj contributed 34.

Australia reached 33 without loss in their second innings before bad light stopped play for the third consecutive day. Nic Maddinson was unbeaten on 17, with Travis Head on 10, extending Australia’s overall lead to 139 runs.