Former Australia captain Steve Smith took three outstanding catches on day 3 of the SA vs AUS 1st Test in Durban, with the third one being a sensational one-handed blinder of Kyle Verreynne.
After being dominated on day 1 of the SA vs AUS 1st Test in Durban, Australia crawled back on day 2 courtesy of Matt Renshaw’s 190, while no other Aussie batsman managed more than 43.
On day 3, Pat Cummins’ team took ascendency in the Durban Test through disciplined bowling and fielding efforts throughout the day. At the time of writing, South Africa are 247/8, trailing by 141 more runs.
If Smith’s catches of David Beddingham and Temba Bavuma were clinical, that of Verreynne was a worldie. Such terrific was this take by Smith, off Nathan Lyon’s bowling as Verreynne attempted a reverse-sweep, that it left Marnus Labuschagne, who was one of the nearby fielders, screaming, “OH MY GOD SMUDGE OH MY GOD.”
SA vs AUS: [WATCH] Steve Smith One-Handed Catch At First Slip After Anticipating Kyle Verreynne’s Reverse Sweep
On the fifth delivery of the 54th over, Lyon fired a delivery on length well outside the off-stump of the right-handed Verreynne.
The Protea keeper-batter went for a reverse sweep—a brave choice of stroke to Lyon’s delivery turning into him.
Verreynne got a good part of his bat on the ball and timed his stroke well. On most days, that would have gone past the first slip and away from the point fielder to the boundary. However, Smith pulled off a stunner.
Standing at first slip, Smith anticipated Verreynne’s shot, and as soon as he saw the batsman switching his stance in order to play the reverse sweep, Smith swiftly moved to his right. Even if his move was correct, the ball hit from Verreynne was still a one-hand’s distance away from Smith.
Smith once again showed his elite reflexes as he threw out his right hand and plucked the ball in a spectacular fashion to complete a great catch. It was a proper stunner from Smith.
Watch the Video of Steve Smith One-Handed Catch Here:
Earlier in the day, Smith took a similar catch to dismiss the South African captain Temba Bavuma. In Bavuma’s dismissal too, Smith made quick movement after seeing Bavuma go for a reverse sweep. In this case, the ball flew close to Smith, and he was able to brilliantly grab another tough chance.
Check that video too:
The catches of Bavuma and Verreynne today heightened Smith’s status as one of the greatest fielders in the game. It showed how closely Smith is watching the batter’s feet and hands.
Smith now holds the record for the most catches taken by a fielder in Test cricket. The Aussie star has grabbed 221 catches, moving ahead of Joe Root, who has plucked 220 catches in Tests.
Most catches taken by a fielder in Test cricket (non-wicketkeeper):
- Steve Smith – 221*
- Joe Root – 220*
- Rahul Dravid – 210
- Mahela Jayawardene – 205
- Jacques Kallis – 200
- Ricky Ponting – 196
(Stats updated until 11 October 2026)
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