Steve Smith Surpasses Ricky Ponting to Enter Top 5 Catchers in Test Cricket

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Steve Smith continues to make history in Test cricket, this time with his fielding prowess. During the second Test against Sri Lanka at the Galle International Stadium, the Australian batter surpassed Ricky Ponting for most catches.

He became Australia's all-time leading catcher among non-wicketkeepers in Test cricket. Smith, standing in as captain for the ongoing series, took two sharp catches on Day 1. He first dismissed Kamindu Mendis in the slips.

Then he completed a low catch to remove Prabath Jayasuriya. With these grabs, Smith's tally in Test cricket reached 197 catches, edging past Ponting's record of 196. Smith's achievement cements his reputation as one of the safest hands in world cricket.

Top 5 Most catches for Australia in Tests (non-WK)

• Steve Smith - 197
• Ricky Ponting - 196
• Mark Waugh - 181
• Mark Taylor - 157
• Allan Border - 156

He now ranks fifth on the all-time list of most catches in Test history among non-wicketkeepers, joining an elite group that includes Rahul Dravid, Joe Root, Mahela Jayawardene, and Jacques Kallis. Smith's fielding exploits add to his already impressive record in this series.

Top 5 Most Catches in Test Cricket (non-WK)

• Rahul Dravid - 210
• Joe Root - 207
• Mahela Jayawardene - 205
• Jacques Kallis - 200
• Steve Smith - 197

Last week, he became only the fourth Australian to surpass 10,000 Test runs, and in the same innings, he notched his 35th Test century, surpassing legends like Younis Khan, Sunil Gavaskar, Brian Lara, and Mahela Jayawardene.

With an incredible catching average of 0.895 per innings-higher than any player with over 150 catches-Smith's influence as a fielder is undeniable. His anticipation, reflexes, and technique in the slips have made him a crucial asset to Australia's success over the years.

Rahul Dravid's Record in Sight?

Smith now stands just 13 catches away from Rahul Dravid's all-time record of 210 catches in Test cricket. Given his fitness and consistency, the 34-year-old could realistically surpass the Indian legend within the next couple of years.

Meanwhile, Australia took control on Day 1, restricting Sri Lanka to 229/9, with Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon picking up three wickets each. With Smith leading from the front, Australia remains in a commanding position in the second Test.