Most Catches In Tests By Australians

Soumyajit Dutta

Steve Smith in action (Source: AP Photos)Steve Smith in action (Source: AP Photos)

In a landmark moment during the second Test against Sri Lanka at Galle, Steve Smith etched his name into Australian cricket folklore by becoming the first player from his country to claim 200 catches in Test cricket. The 35-year-old achieved the milestone with a five-catch haul in the match, leapfrogging legends like Ricky Ponting to top Australia’s all-time list. 

Smith’s razor-sharp reflexes and unwavering focus at slip have redefined fielding standards as he also stunned with amazing reflexes on the field. Besides hammering with the bat, Smith showed that he can pounce on the field as well.  

Fielding is always one of the major aspects of cricket that redefines a match's pivotal point much like Suryakumar Yadav's historic catch in the T20 World Cup 2024 that led India to the win.

With that being said, here's a look at Australia’s top five fielding maestros in Test cricket, ranked by their total catches.

5. Allan Border (156 Catches)

Allan Border, the Australian legend, featured in 156 matches and 277 innings, taking a total of 156 catches. His highest number of catches in a single match was four. As a gritty former captain, Border set the benchmark for Australian fielders during his era. His safe hands and tactical awareness in close-in positions made him a vital asset on the field, and his record of 156 catches remained unmatched in Australia until the emergence of later legends.

4. Mark Taylor (157 Catches)

Nicknamed “Tubby,” Mark Taylor redefined slip fielding with his anticipation and soft hands. His 157 catches in 197 Test innings highlight his efficiency, boasting the second-highest catches-per-innings ratio (0.796) among Australian fielders. Besides being a fiery batter, Taylor's bizarre skills on the field also collected a lot of fans during his era, with him being the menace he was with the reflexes for the opposition team's batters.

3. Mark Waugh (181 Catches)

A silky-smooth operator on the field, Mark Waugh combined elegance with effectiveness. His 181 catches in 245 innings made him Australia’s leading catcher for nearly a decade, with his athleticism setting new standards for fielders worldwide. Besides fielding the legendary batter has amassed 8029 runs in his career of 209 Test innings.

2. Ricky Ponting (196 Catches)

The iconic Australian captain and batting maestro was equally prolific in the field. Ricky Ponting’s 196 catches in 328 innings, many taken at cover or bat-pad, reflect his agility and relentless energy on the field. He held the record until Smith’s recent surge. He was aggressive while fielding, at least in his body language. The mentality to pounce on every catching opportunity that is created. 

1. Steve Smith (200 Catches)

Smith’s ascension to the top is a testament to his extraordinary concentration and technical brilliance in close-quarter catches. With a staggering 0.904 catches per inning, he boasts the highest ratio among Australia’s elite fielders and has recorded 200 catches in 221 Test innings. Steve Smith's five-catch haul in Galle not only shattered records but also underscored his status as a once-in-a-generation fielder. At 35, Smith’s tally is likely to grow, widening the gap between him and the chasing pack.