Smith rewrites Test record books, surpasses Root for most catches as fielder

Steve Smith surpassed Joe Root to become the leading catcher among fielders in Test cricket, taking his tally to 221 catches against South Africa in Durban. However, after scoring just 25 in Australia's first innings, Smith will be looking to make amends with the bat in the second innings.Steve Smith has 221 catches to his name in Tests. Courtesy: ReutersNew Delhi,Oct 11, 2026 16:21 ISTSteve Smith added another remarkable milestone to his illustrious Test career, surpassing England's Joe Root to become the most prolific fielder in Test cricket history during the first Test between South Africa and Australia at Kingsmead in Durban.Smith achieved the feat on Day 3 when he caught David Bedingham off Pat Cummins' bowling. Batting on 49, Bedingham edged a hard, back-of-a-length delivery towards first slip. Smith dived to his left and completed a sharp catch to dismiss the South African batter just one run short of his half-century.South Africa vs Australia, 1st Test Day 3: Updates | ScorecardThe dismissal took Smith's tally to 221 catches as a fielder in Test cricket, moving him past Root's previous record of 220. India's Rahul Dravid sits third on the all-time list with 210 catches, followed by Sri Lanka's Mahela Jayawardene with 205 and South Africa's Jacques Kallis with 200. Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting completes the top six with 196 catches. Root had set the previous record during the third Test against India at Lord's last year. Smith had already made his presence felt in the slips earlier on Day 3, catching South African captain Temba Bavuma off Nathan Lyon's bowling.MOST CATCHES AS FIELDER IN TESTS221* - Steve Smith220 - Joe Root210 - Rahul Dravid205 - M Jayawardene200 - Jacques Kallis196 - Ricky PontingSMITH FALTERS WITH THE BAT, EYES SECOND-INNINGS REDEMPTIONWhile Smith excelled in the field, his contribution with the bat in Australia's first innings was modest. The experienced right-hander scored 25 off 53 deliveries, including two sixes, after arriving at the crease following an early setback for the visitors. He shared a 60-run partnership with Marnus Labuschagne, providing some stability after the top order came under pressure. However, Marco Jansen ended Smith's stay shortly after lunch on Day 1. Bowling from around the wicket, Jansen delivered a back-of-a-length ball that straightened after pitching. Expecting the ball to angle into him, Smith was squared up and edged it towards gully, where Wiaan Mulder held a low catch.Smith's dismissal left Australia in trouble, but Matt Renshaw's magnificent 190 helped the visitors recover from 124 for six to post 390.With Australia looking to strengthen their position in Durban, Smith will be eager to make amends with the bat in the second innings. Having already made history in the field, a substantial contribution with the bat would further boost Australia's prospects in the contest.- Ends