In a very amazing accomplishment, Australian batsman Steve Smith became the second-most prolific fielder for Australia in Test cricket, surpassing the record-holding former player Mark Waugh. Smith’s quick reactions and agility have greatly aided his ascent to the top of the catching list.
Notably, Smith demonstrated his outstanding fielding abilities by making two vital catches during the current Test match against New Zealand at the Basin Reserve in Wellington. An important incident that helped him surpass Mark Waugh’s previous record was his catch to dismiss Will Young off the bowling of Travis Head. Earlier in the innings, Smith again showed excellent mental focus by catching Nathan Lyon’s delivery from a leg slip, which was headed for Kane Williamson.
It has been an extremely remarkable journey for Steve Smith to become one of Australia’s most dependable fielders. He currently holds the record with 196 catches from 168 Tests, only surpassed by the great Australian captain Ricky Ponting, who has amassed 182 catches from 108 Test matches. The Australian team has benefited greatly from Smith’s quick thinking and ability to predict the trajectory of the ball.
Top Australian catches in Test cricket (other than wicketkeepers):
196 catches in 168 Tests for Ricky Ponting
Steve Smith has 108 Test matches with 182* catches.
181 catches in 128 Tests for Mark Waugh
Mark Taylor has 157 catches in 104 Test matches.
Allan Border: 156 captures in 156 trials
As Australia’s Test opener, Steve Smith is going through a difficult period.
Steve Smith’s outstanding catching performance in the Wellington Test matched his ongoing difficulties as Australia’s opener. Following David Warner’s retirement from this game format, Smith was moved up the order.
Tim Southee removed him for a duck in the second inning after he had scored 31 runs off 71 balls in the first and been out by Matt Henry. Smith opened the Test series with 151 runs at an average of 37.75, his highest score being 91 not out.
In the Test match, New Zealand had to chase 369 runs in order to win. The team needed 258 more runs to win the match on Day 4 after they had already lost three wickets and managed to score 111 runs when the umpires declared stumps on Day 3.
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