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Steve Smith Scripts History! Joins An Elite List Featuring Dravid, Root In 2nd Test

Muskaan Bhatt

Steve Smith made an easy catch to enter a unique list (Source: @crazycricjohns/X.com)Steve Smith made an easy catch to enter a unique list (Source: @crazycricjohns/X.com)

The on-going match between Australia and Sri Lanka once again witnessed the masterclass of captain Steve Smith, who was not just phenomenal with the bat but also with his fielding skills. The 35-year-old opener entered a unique list after he grabbed onto the catch of Kusal Mendis and completed 200 Test catches.

This accomplishment makes him Australia’s most efficient fielder, surpassing Ricky Ponting’s record of 196 catches. Steve Smith also ranks fourth on the all-time list, tying with South Africa’s Jacques Kallis. Only cricket legends Rahul Dravid, Joe Root, and Mahela Jayawardene have more catches than Smith. 

Most Test Catches As An Outfielder

Player
Catches
Rahul Dravid210
Joe Root207
Mahela Jayawardene 205
Steve Smith200
Jacques Kallis200


Smith-Lyon Partner Up To Remove Mendis- Watch

The moment occurred during the 64th over, Nathan Lyon bowled a short length delivery on the stumps and got it turn in sharpl. Kusal opened up looking to pull it however got a big top edge on it. The ball travelled towards the short fine leg where Smith completed a simple catch by moving to his right and thus grabbed onto his 200th Test catch.  


Australia restricted Sri Lanka for 231 in their second innings as Matthew Kuhnemann (4/63) and Nathan Lyon (4/84) dominated, taking 8 wickets between them. Sri Lanka's batters, led by half-centuries from Angelo Mathews (76) and Kusal Mendis (50), could only add 231 runs after a 157-run deficit.  Australia used referrals to dismiss Sri Lanka’s tail, and Beau Webster claimed the final wicket.

With a target of 75 runs to win the series 2-0, Australian openers set to out bat. However, after losing Travis Head for 20 runs, all eyes are on Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne to get the Aussie men home quickly.