Smith breaks fielding record as Australia take control of 1st Test
DURBAN, South Africa: Steve Smith broke the Test record for the most career catches by a fielder as Australia played themselves into a strong position on the third day of the first Test against South Africa at Kingsmead on Sunday.
Steve Smith set a new record for the most career catches by a fielder in Test cricket during the third day of the first Test match between Australia and South Africa in Durban, South Africa. Smith collected four catches, extending his total to 223, as Australia dismissed South Africa for 284. Nic Maddinson and Travis Head put on 33 runs, adding to Australia's first innings total of 390.
Bad light ended play before South Africa could further strengthen their position. South African batting coach Ashwell Prince defended his batsmen's approach, acknowledging the intense bowling from Australia's bowling quartet. Australia's bowlers, led by Pat Cummins, applied relentless pressure on an easy-paced pitch, causing several South African batsmen to make mistakes.
Smith broke the record when he caught David Bedingham off Cummins, and he continued to impress with a spectacular catch to dismiss Kyle Verreynne. Smith's career catch total now exceeds that of all but 11 other specialist wicketkeepers.
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