Steve Smith Passes Joe Root for Most Catches by a Fielder in Test Cricket

Steve Smith has become the most successful fielder in Test history among non-wicketkeepers. He took his 221st Test catch on Day 3 of the first Test against South Africa at Kingsmead, Durban, on Sunday, October 11, going past Joe Root's 220.

The record came at slip. David Bedingham drove outside off and produced a thick edge, and Smith dived full-stretch to take the catch. It left South Africa on 99 for 4 in reply to Australia's 390. It was the second sharp slip catch from Smith in quick succession during the opening session. By the first-session break, South Africa were 110 for 4, still 280 runs behind.

Root had gone past Smith earlier this season. He took his 220th catch at first slip against Pakistan at Edgbaston, when Smith was on 219. Smith has now taken the lead again, and in 126 Tests, more than 40 fewer than Root.

Smith, 37, is now clear at the top of the list. Root (220) is second, followed by Rahul Dravid (210), Mahela Jayawardene (205), Jacques Kallis (200) and Ricky Ponting (196). Smith and Root are the only active players with more than 200 Test catches.