Most Catches In Tests: Steve Smith Equals Ricky Ponting’s Record; Eyes Rahul Dravid’s Crown

Steve Smith equalled Ricky Ponting's record for most catches [Source: @bilkulonline/x.com, @cricketcomau/youtube.com]

When it comes to modern-day greats, Steve Smith’s name is always in the conversation. Whether it’s his unconventional yet highly effective batting or his sheer hunger for runs, he has built a legacy that will be remembered for generations.

Steve Smith Equalled Ricky Ponting’s Catch Record

But it’s not just the bat where he shines. His hands are just as safe as they are destructive. The Australian skipper has now etched his name alongside Ricky Ponting as the country’s most prolific catcher in Test cricket.

With 196 grabs to his name, Smith has drawn level with Ponting, and the way he’s going, it won’t be long before he overtakes the all-time leader, India’s Rahul Dravid, who holds the record with 210 Test catches.

Smith’s record-equalling moment came during the second Test against Sri Lanka in Galle. Travis Head flighted one outside off-stump, tempting Kamindu Mendis into a cut shot. But extra bounce deceived the batter, catching the edge and flying straight into Smith’s bucket hands at slip.

It was a sharp, instinctive take, the kind of catch Steve Smith has made look easy over the years. And just like that, he joined Ponting at the top of Australia’s all-time list.

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Most Catches For Australia In Tests

Smith’s 196th catch sees him draw level with Ponting, but there are some legendary names on this list:

Rahul Dravid’s Record Of Most Catches In Tests Now In Danger

With Rahul Dravid sitting at 210 catches, Smith isn’t too far off. If his fitness holds up, he should comfortably eclipse the Indian legend within the next year or two.

Dravid’s slip catching was legendary, especially off spinners like Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh, but Smith has been just as influential for Australia. Whether it’s Nathan Lyon’s turners, Pat Cummins’ wobblers, or Mitchell Starc’s searing deliveries, Smith has been the go-to man when Australia needs a safe pair of hands.

At 34 years old, Smith still has plenty of cricket left in him and unless injury derails his career, Dravid’s record looks to be living on borrowed time.

SL vs AUS 2nd Test Live Score

While Smith is busy rewriting record books, Sri Lanka have their own battles to fight. Opting to bat first in the second Test, they find themselves in trouble at 133/5 after 51 overs.

Dinesh Chandimal is leading the fightback on 63* and Kusal Mendis is new to the crease on 2. With Sri Lanka already trailing 1-0 in the series, they will need a big partnership to avoid another Australian masterclass.

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