Sports · Cricket · 6 hrs ago
Steve Smith sets Test record with 221 catches
Steve Smith became the leading catcher among non-wicketkeepers in Test cricket during the first Test between Australia and South Africa in Durban.
He reached 221 catches, passing England’s Joe Root, who had held the record with 220.
Smith made the milestone on the third day by catching South Africa’s David Bedingham off Pat Cummins.
Earlier that day, he had also caught South African captain Temba Bavuma.
The catches came as Australia’s bowlers put the visitors on top on the third morning.
Smith scored 25 in Australia’s first innings, while Matt Renshaw made 190 as Australia recovered from 124 for six to reach 390.
Smith will have another chance to contribute with the bat in Australia’s second innings.
Steve Smith became Test cricket’s leading catcher among non-wicketkeepers, taking his 221st catch for Australia against South Africa in Durban.
He passed Joe Root’s previous record of 220 when he caught David Bedingham off Pat Cummins on Day 3.
Smith also caught South African captain Temba Bavuma off Nathan Lyon earlier that day.
Australia posted 390 in their first innings after Matt Renshaw scored 190.
Smith scored 25 in that innings, while Australia’s bowlers put the visitors on top on the third morning.
- Who
- Australia and South Africa, with Steve Smith setting the catching record.
- What
- Smith took his 221st Test catch as a fielder, surpassing Joe Root’s record of 220.
- When
- Day 3 of the first Test; the articles were published on October 11, 2026.
- Where
- Kingsmead in Durban, South Africa.
- Why
- Smith passed the record by catching David Bedingham off Pat Cummins’ bowling.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
No direct quotes in the coverage so far.
Smith scored 25 in Australia’s first innings before Marco Jansen dismissed him.
Matt Renshaw scored 190 as Australia recovered from 124 for six to make 390.
Smith caught Temba Bavuma off Nathan Lyon’s bowling.
Smith caught David Bedingham off Pat Cummins, reaching 221 Test catches and passing Joe Root’s record.
- Smith’s Test catches
- 221
- Joe Root’s previous record
- 220 catches
- Australia’s first-innings total
- 390
- Matt Renshaw’s first-innings score
- 190
- Venue
- Kingsmead, Durban
Sources
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