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# Steve Smith dives to take Joe Root's Test fielding record
- URL: https://www.bushletter.com/smith-sets-test-slip-catches-record-with-223-in-durban/
- Published: 2026-10-12T01:30:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-13T08:46:17.000Z
- Description: Australia lead by 139 runs after bowling South Africa out for 284, with Pat Cummins' short-pitched attack backing Smith's work at slip.
- Author: Bushletter Newsroom
- Tags: Sport, Australia, Steve Smith

TLDR

Steve Smith took four catches at slip on day three in Durban to reach 223 Test catches, passing Joe Root's record of 220 for the most by a non-wicketkeeper. South Africa were bowled out for 284 in reply to Australia's 390, and Australia were 0-33 at stumps, a lead of 139.

## Smith breaks Root's record with four-catch haul

Steve Smith took four catches at slip on day three of the first Test in Durban to reach 223 career Test catches, surpassing Joe Root's record of 220 for the most by a non-wicketkeeper in Test cricket. The milestone came during South Africa's first-innings reply at Kingsmead.

Smith flung himself full-stretch at slip to dismiss David Bedingham off the bowling of Pat Cummins, completing his 221st catch to break the record outright. He had already caught Temba Bavuma off a reverse sweep, and later took Kyle Verreynne one-handed before a slip catch off Anrich Nortje completed a four-catch haul for the innings.

## Smith joins elite company in the cordon

Smith's tally of 223 puts him clear of Root (220) and Rahul Dravid, who sits third on 210, at the top of the all-time list for non-wicketkeepers. The four-catch day at Kingsmead extended a lead he had only just taken.

Pat Cummins' short-pitched bowling combined with Smith's work at slip to bundle South Africa out for 284 in their first innings, leaving them 106 runs behind Australia's 390\. Matt Renshaw's marathon 190 had anchored Australia's total, with Renshaw telling reporters he had always wanted that second Test century.

## Australia extend lead on day three

Australia closed day three at 0-33, with Nic Maddinson unbeaten on 17 and Travis Head on 10, pushing the overall lead to 139 runs. Day four at Kingsmead begins with Australia holding a commanding position.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

01Smith's diving grab to dismiss David Bedingham was his record-breaking 221st Test catch.

02Career total of 223 places Smith ahead of Root (220) and Rahul Dravid (210) among non-wicketkeepers.

03South Africa were bowled out for 284, trailing Australia's first-innings 390 by 106 runs.

04Pat Cummins used short-pitched bowling to help dismantle the South African batting lineup.

05Australia were 0-33 at stumps, with Nic Maddinson on 17 not out and Travis Head on 10 not out.

SOURCES & CITATIONS

1. [Smith's smarts give Australia big advantage in Durban, AAP](https://aapnews.aap.com.au/news/smith-s-smarts-give-australia-big-advantage-in-durban?ref=bushletter.com)
2. [Scorecard: Australia v South Africa, first Test](https://www.cricket.com.au/matches/CA:39990?tab=scorecard&ref=bushletter.com)
3. [Renshaw validates decade of grit with Durban ton](https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/renshaw-validates-decade-of-grit-with-durban-ton?ref=bushletter.com)
4. [Injury blow for Australia all-rounder to miss first Proteas Test](https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/injury-blow-for-australia-all-rounder-to-miss-first-proteas-test?ref=bushletter.com)

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is Steve Smith's Test catches record?

Smith has taken 223 catches in Test cricket, the most by any non-wicketkeeper, surpassing the previous record of 220 held by England's Joe Root.

Which catch broke the record?

A full-stretch diving grab at second slip to dismiss David Bedingham off Pat Cummins was Smith's 221st catch, the one that broke Root's record.

What is the match situation after day three in Durban?

Australia lead by 139 runs. South Africa were bowled out for 284 in reply to Australia's 390, and Australia closed the day at 0-33 in their second innings.