Brief

Steve Smith sets Test fielding record as Australia press South Africa

Smith's 223rd catch surpassed the previous mark, giving Australia a strong lead on day three of the Durban Test.

By Felo News Desk · Published Mon, 12 Oct 2026 20:34:22 GMT

Steve Smith moved to 223 career catches, the highest total for a Test fielder, during the third day of the first Test between Australia and South Africa at Kingsmead Stadium in Durban, Al Jazeera reported.

Australia posted 390 in their first innings. South Africa were then bowled out for 284, leaving a 139‑run lead after a brief partnership of 33 runs by Nic Maddinson (17*) and Travis Head (10*). Smith, playing his 126th Test, equalled the record by catching Temba Bavuma and then broke it with a left‑hand slip catch off David Bedingham. He added a spectacular catch to dismiss Verreynne and a fourth catch off Anrich Nortje.

Pat Cummins took three wickets for 54, while Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon each claimed two.

Key facts

• Steve Smith reached 223 Test catches, a new record for fielders. (aljazeera.com)
• Australia scored 390 in their first innings. (aljazeera.com)
• South Africa were bowled out for 284 in their reply. (aljazeera.com)
• Pat Cummins took three wickets for 54 runs. (aljazeera.com)
• The match is being played at Kingsmead Stadium in Durban. (aljazeera.com)

Sources

• [1] aljazeera.com — originally reported as “Steve Smith breaks Test fielding record as Australia dominate South Africa”