# Smith's four catches set Test record as Australia dominates

> Steve Smith takes four catches on day three to surpass Joe Root's all-time record, helping Australia build a 139-run lead over South Africa in Durban.
- Title: Smith's four catches set Test record as Australia dominates
- Summary: Steve Smith takes four catches on day three to surpass Joe Root's all-time record, helping Australia build a 139-run lead over South Africa in Durban. Steve…
- Keywords: steve smith, south africa, australia, test cricket, kingsmead stadium, durban, joe root, first test, news, politics, Smith's, four
- Source: Daily Maverick — https://dailymaverick.co.za/article/2026-10-11-australia-proteas-first-test
- Author: Yanga Sibembe
- Published: 2026-10-11T22:16:12+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: steve smith, south africa, australia, test cricket, kingsmead stadium, durban, joe root, first test, news, politics
## Smith breaks Test catching record
Steve Smith of Australia took four catches on day three of the first Test against South Africa in Durban, moving to two hundred twenty-three all-time catches in international matches.
## Smith surpasses Joe Root
Smith surpassed Englishman Joe Root for the most catches not taken by a wicketkeeper in international Test cricket. Root sits on two hundred twenty catches.
## Australia's first innings total
Australia scored three hundred ninety runs in their first innings. Matt Renshaw contributed one hundred ninety of those runs before being caught by Markram off spinner Simon Harmer's bowling.
## South Africa's first innings collapse
South Africa were dismissed for two hundred eighty-four all out, trailing Australia by one hundred thirty-nine runs. Pat Cummins took three wickets for fifty-four runs for Australia.
## Smith catches Bavuma early
Smith took his first catch of the day when he dismissed Proteas captain Temba Bavuma for three runs from twenty-seven balls. Bavuma attempted a reverse sweep against Nathan Lyon's bowling.
## Smith's record-breaking catch
Smith caught David Bedingham at second slip off Pat Cummins' bowling, lunging full stretch to his left to take a sharp edge just inches off the turf. Bedingham was one run short of fifty.
## Smith's final two catches
Smith caught Kyle Verreynne attempting a reverse sweep against Nathan Lyon, reading the batter's hands changing position early. He then claimed South Africa's final first-innings wicket off Beau Webster's bowling.
## Australia in pole position
With South Africa dismissed for two hundred eighty-four, Australia holds a one hundred thirty-nine run lead heading into day four of the first Test at Kingsmead Stadium in Durban.
## Key takeaway

Steve Smith took four catches on day three of the first Test in Durban to become the greatest fielder in Test cricket history, surpassing Joe Root's record of two hundred twenty catches.