Key Takeaways
- Steve Smith sets new Test catching record with three superb catches.
- Australia takes firm grip on first Test, leading by 152 runs.
- South Africa's batsmen struggle with loose shots, losing four wickets before lunch.
Australia's Steve Smith has broken the record for most Test catches, setting a new benchmark with three outstanding catches during the first Test against South Africa at Kingsmead in Durban.
Smith's record-breaking catches came as he shuffled across a few steps to snag South Africa captain Temba Bavuma and Kyle Verreynne, both of whom attempted reverse sweeps off the spin bowling of Nathan Lyon. He also produced a flying dive across first slip to break the record and see off the threat of David Bedingham.
Australia's Pat Cummins took 3-54, leading a combined bowling effort that saw South Africa's batsmen guilty of playing loose shots at crucial junctures. Three wickets fell before lunch, and four more in the second session, as South Africa's batsmen struggled to maintain their composure.
Despite the early wickets, South Africa added 57 runs to their overnight tally of 27-1. Aiden Markram got a healthy edge as he tried to drive Mitch Starc and was caught by Matt Renshaw at first slip for 37. Bavuma was out for three runs, caught by Smith as he edged a back-foot drive, and Bedingham was out for 49, caught in spectacular fashion by Smith.
After lunch, Cummins took two quick wickets with Wiaan Mulder (30) out to a miscued hook shot and Tristan Stubbs (32) following shortly as his pulled effort was caught at deep fine leg. Marco Jansen and Verreynne went on the charge, but a partnership of 35 runs from 34 balls was ended by Smith's one-handed catch that saw Verreynne out for 13.
Jansen (26 off 20 balls) perished three balls later, when he miscued the ball to be caught at mid-off with South Africa 197-8. Simon Harmer (17 not out) and Keshav Maharaj (23 not out) were offering some late resistance for South Africa in an unbeaten 41-run partnership for the ninth wicket and will resume batting for the final session.
The opening two days of the Test both ended early when bad light stopped play, and extra time has been added on to all three of Sunday's sessions.
