NEW DELHI: Steve Smith continues to etch his name in the record books, this time with a landmark achievement in fielding. After surpassing the 10,000-run milestone in Test cricket and registering his 35th Test century last week, Smith has now become Australia’s most prolific catcher in Tests (non-wicketkeeper) and joint-fourth catcher overall in Test cricket.
In the second Test against Sri Lanka in Galle, Smith took some crucial catches, surpassing Ricky Ponting’s tally of 196 catches and setting a new national benchmark at 200 catches.
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Top Five Australian Players by Test Catches (Non-Wicketkeepers)
- Steve Smith (2010-2025) – 200 catches
- Ricky Ponting (1995-2012) – 196 catches
- Mark Waugh (1991-2002) – 181 catches
- Mark Taylor (1989-1999) – 157 catches
- Allan Border (1978-1994) – 156 catches
Top Five Players Overall by Test Catches (Non-Wicketkeepers)
- Rahul Dravid (1996-2012, IND) – 210 catches
- Joe Root (2012-2024, ENG) – 207 catches
- Mahela Jayawardene (1997-2014, SL) – 205 catches
- Steve Smith (2010-2025, AUS) – 200 catches
- Jacques Kallis (1995-2013, SA) – 200 catches
Following Australia’s dominant nine-wicket victory, Smith expressed his delight in captaining on Asian pitches and praised his team’s adaptability. The series win was particularly significant, marking Australia’s first Test series triumph in Sri Lanka in 14 years.
“It was a really good series. We played well from the outset. The way the batters adapted was outstanding. Our bowlers did a terrific job, and our spinners executed perfectly. The pre-tour training camp in Dubai was invaluable,” Smith said in the post-match ceremony.
Australia secured the series after bowling out Sri Lanka for 257 in the first innings, despite half-centuries from Kusal Mendis (85) and Dinesh Chandimal (74). Mitchell Starc, Matthew Kuhnemann, and Nathan Lyon each claimed three wickets.
Australia responded strongly, with centuries from Alex Carey (156) and Smith (131) anchoring a commanding 414-run total. A five-wicket haul from Prabath Jayasuriya kept Sri Lanka in contention, but their second innings crumble left Australia with a modest 75-run target.
Travis Head (20), Usman Khawaja (27 not out), and Marnus Labuschagne (26 not out) ensured a comfortable chase, sealing the win. Carey earned ‘Player of the Match’ honours, while Smith was crowned ‘Player of the Series’ for his batting heroics and historic fielding feat.