On Day 5 of the WTC Final, Steve Smith’s outstanding catching abilities were on display as he surpassed Allan Border to become one of Australia’s most prolific catchers in Test cricket. Smith’s stunning catch to dismiss Virat Kohli added another feather to his cap.
With that catch, Smith took his tally to 157 catches in Test matches, equalling the legendary Mark Taylor. This achievement places him behind Ricky Ponting, who holds the record for the most catches by an Australian fielder with 196.
What makes Smith’s feat even more remarkable is his catches-per-innings ratio. Among non-wicketkeepers who have taken at least 75 catches in Test cricket, Smith’s ratio of 0.853 stands out. Only Bob Simpson (0.94) and Stephen Fleming (0.859) have a better ratio.
Australia fielders with most catches in Test cricket
196 – Ricky Ponting
181 – Mark Waugh
157 – Steve Smith
157 – Mark Taylor
156 – Allan Border
