Australia has taken control of the first Test against South Africa, with Steve Smith's incredible fielding display on day three leaving the Proteas trailing by 139 runs. Smith took four catches, including a few spectacular ones, as Australia frustrated South Africa and restricted them to 284 all out. The Australian team had earlier posted 390 runs in their first innings, with Matt Renshaw scoring 190 runs. Smith's heroics on the field have made him the greatest fielder of all time in Test cricket, surpassing England's Joe Root.
Smith's record-breaking performance saw him take his total catches in international matches to 223, surpassing Root's 220 catches. He achieved this feat in fewer matches than his rivals, making his record even more impressive. Smith's athleticism and anticipation were on full display as he took catches at slip, including a few sharp edges. His partnership with Australian skipper Pat Cummins, who picked up three scalps, was instrumental in restricting South Africa.
The Proteas began day three on 27 for one, with Aiden Markram and David Bedingham attempting to mount a fightback. However, Mitchell Starc dismantled their partnership, and Smith took his first catch of the day, dismissing Proteas captain Temba Bavuma for just three runs. Bavuma's reverse sweep was anticipated by Smith, who moved quickly to his right to take the catch. This was just the beginning of Smith's incredible display.
Smith's second catch of the day was a blinder, as he lunged full stretch to his left to scoop up a sharp edge from David Bedingham. This catch dismissed Bedingham just one run short of a 50 and propelled Smith to his 221st Test catch, officially making him the all-time world record holder. Wiaan Mulder and Tristan Stubbs attempted to steady the Proteas' ship with a 56-run partnership, but Cummins led from the front, sending Mulder packing for 30.
The Australian team's bowlers, including spinner Lyon and pacers Starc and Josh Hazlewood, found some joy on day three. Lyon claimed two wickets, while Starc and Hazlewood picked up crucial scalps. However, it was Smith who stole the show with his incredible fielding display. His instincts and athleticism were on full display as he completed another sublime diving catch to dismiss Kyle Verreynne.
The Proteas' lower-order batsmen, including Marco Jansen and spinners Simon Harmer and Keshav Maharaj, attempted to add some runs to their total. However, Australia struck again through Starc, dismissing Maharaj, and Smith was involved in claiming South Africa's final first-innings wicket. Beau Webster was the bowler who added to South Africa's misery, dismissing the Proteas for 284.
With the Proteas trailing by 139 runs, Australia is in pole position to take control of the first Test on day four. Smith's incredible fielding display has made him the talk of the town, and his record-breaking performance has cemented his place as one of the greatest fielders in Test cricket history. The Australian team's dominance on day three has put pressure on the Proteas, who will look to mount a comeback on day four.
Key points
- Steve Smith has surpassed Joe Root to become the greatest fielder of all time in Test cricket, with 223 catches in international matches.
