Steve Smith Takes the Catch That Puts Him Ahead of Joe Root

Steve Smith became the most prolific catcher among fielders in Test cricket history after taking his 221st catch during Australia's first Test against South Africa at Kingsmead in Durban on Sunday. The Australian surpassed England's Joe Root, who previously held the record with 220 catches, adding another milestone to an illustrious international career.

Smith reached the landmark on Day 3 when he caught David Bedingham off Pat Cummins' bowling. Bedingham, batting on 49, edged a hard, back-of-a-length delivery towards first slip, where Smith dived to his left to complete a sharp catch and dismiss the South African just short of his half-century.

The dismissal took Smith past Root's previous record, which the England batter had established during the third Test against India at Lord's last year. Smith had also taken a catch to dismiss South African captain Temba Bavuma off Nathan Lyon earlier on Day 3.

Steve Smith leads all-time Test catches list

Smith now sits at the top of the all-time list for most catches taken as a fielder in men's Test cricket, ahead of several celebrated names in the format.

Most catches as a fielder in Tests:

• 221 - Steve Smith
• 220 - Joe Root
• 210 - Rahul Dravid
• 205 - Mahela Jayawardene
• 200 - Jacques Kallis
• 196 - Ricky Ponting

India's Rahul Dravid occupies third place with 210 catches, followed by Sri Lanka's Mahela Jayawardene on 205 and South Africa's Jacques Kallis on 200. Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting completes the top six with 196 catches.

The record underlines Smith's consistency and sharpness in the field, particularly in the slips, where his anticipation and reflexes have made him a reliable presence for Australia over the years.

Steve Smith seeks redemption with the bat after modest first innings

While Smith made history in the field, his contribution with the bat in Australia's first innings was relatively modest. The right-hander scored 25 off 53 deliveries, including two sixes, before being dismissed by Marco Jansen shortly after lunch on Day 1.

Smith had shared a 60-run partnership with Marnus Labuschagne, helping Australia steady their innings after an early setback. However, Jansen found a way past him with a back-of-a-length delivery that straightened after pitching. Smith, expecting the ball to angle into him, was squared up and edged it towards gully, where Wiaan Mulder took a low catch.

Australia were subsequently reduced to 124 for six before Matt Renshaw's impressive 190 helped the visitors recover and post 390.

With the contest still unfolding in Durban, Smith will now look to make a greater impact in Australia's second innings. Having already overtaken Root in the Test fielding record books, a substantial contribution with the bat would offer another boost to Australia's efforts in the opening Test.