Australian fielding maestro Steve Smith has reclaimed the world record for the highest number of non-wicketkeeper catches in Test cricket history during the Durban Test against South Africa.
Entering the Kingsmead Test with 219 catches to his name, Smith took four catches in South Africa's first innings on Sunday (October 11, 2026). He equaled Joe Root's record of 220 catches by safely pouching South African captain Temba Bavuma in the slips, before officially breaking the world record by holding onto a catch to dismiss David Bedingham.
Smith added two more catches to his tally, taking the dismissals of wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne and tailender Anrich Nortje—the final catch bundling out South Africa for 284 runs. With 222 Test catches now in his bag and a second innings yet to come, Smith stands alone at the top of Test fielding lore, having overtaken Joe Root, who had previously surpassed Smith at Headingley against Pakistan in August.
— Daily Best News Desk • Fearless in the search for truth
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