Steve Smith reminded the world why he remains the gold standard of slip fielding on day three of the Durban Test, producing a masterclass of anticipation and reflexes that left South Africa’s batters in disbelief.
The 37-year-old veteran, currently engaged in a high-stakes duel with England’s Joe Root for the most Test catches in history, reclaimed the outright lead in the all-time standings with a display of pure athleticism. Smith now sits atop the charts with 223 catches, moving ahead of Root’s 220, as the two cricketing icons continue their battle for the record books.
Smith’s contribution in Durban was headlined by two “pearler” catches off the bowling of Nathan Lyon. The pick of the collection was a miraculous one-handed grab to dismiss Kyle Verreynne. Anticipating the South African wicketkeeper’s reverse sweep, Smith moved with lightning speed, catching the ball behind his body in a moment of sheer instinct that left the Kingsmead crowd stunned.
“I’ve been very fortunate enough to have him standing at first or leg slip for pretty well the majority of my career,” an appreciative Lyon said after play. “He’s an incredible thinker of the game, but the way he premeditates for those types of catches, they’re freakish. There aren’t many people in that change room who could pull off what he does.”
The duo’s synergy has now accounted for 65 Test dismissals, a tally that places them second on the all-time list for bowler-fielder combinations, trailing only the legendary pair of Muttiah Muralidaran and Mahela Jayawardene (77).
Earlier in the day, Smith’s sharp anticipation removed South African captain Temba Bavuma. Having sensed the skipper’s intent to break a period of tight bowling with a reverse sweep, Smith shifted his weight early, allowing him to pouch a catch just in front of his chest. He was involved again shortly after, when he dived in front of teammate Matt Renshaw at first slip to intercept a David Bedingham edge from a Pat Cummins delivery.
South Africa’s batting coach Ashwell Prince was full of praise for the Australian, noting that Smith’s impact went far beyond physical talent. “He’s obviously a good catcher, but today was also the anticipation of it,” Prince said. “You can see the players line up for the reverse sweep, and therefore he is able to anticipate and then grab it with one hand—it’s unbelievable.”
Despite his age, Smith’s standards have not slipped. As the Qantas Tour of South Africa continues, his presence at slip remains one of Australia’s most potent weapons, proving that while his reflexes remain razor-sharp, it is his cerebral approach to the game that continues to set him apart.
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