Steve Smith sets Test catches record with 221
Steve Smith became the most successful fielder in Test cricket history with 221 catches against South Africa.
Steve Smith became the most successful fielder in Test cricket history on Sunday during the first Test between South Africa and Australia at Kingsmead in Durban. The Australian reached 221 catches when he caught David Bedingham off Pat Cummins' bowling on day three.
Smith moved past Joe Root's previous record of 220 catches. Rahul Dravid is third on the all-time list with 210 catches, followed by Mahela Jayawardene with 205 and Jacques Kallis with 200. Smith made the catch at first slip, diving to his left.
Smith scored 25 in Australia's first innings of 390 before being dismissed by Marco Jansen. Australia took a 139-run lead after South Africa were bowled out for 284. Pat Cummins took three for 54.
CricHubb Take
Smith's record shows how fielding standards have risen across Test cricket. His 221 catches came across 126 Tests, a rate that suggests slip fielding has become more specialised and more effective than in previous eras.