The Prague Post - Smith breaks fielding record as Australia take first innings lead

Smith held four catches to take his career total to 223, more than any other outfielder, as South Africa were bowled out for 284 in reply to Australia's first innings of 390.

The Australian bowlers applied relentless pressure on an easy-paced pitch and a succession of South African batsmen contributed to their own dismissals by playing poor shots.

Six Protea batters reached 30 but David Bedingham’s 49 was the top score.

Smith started the day on 219 catches, one behind Joe Root of England.

He equalled the record when he caught South African captain Temba Bavuma. Standing at slip, he anticipated Bavuma's reverse sweep against off-spinner Nathan Lyon and moved to his right with Bavuma's mistimed shot going straight to him.

Smith, playing in his 126th Test, broke the record when he lunged to his left from second slip to hold a sharp edge from Bedingham off Australian captain Pat Cummins.

Smith thought he had taken another catch when he held a low edge from Wiaan Mulder at slip in the over before lunch. Mulder started walking off the field but the umpires reviewed the incident and decided the ball had not carried.

But Smith was in the action again with a spectacular catch to dismiss Kyle Verreynne, again anticipating well at slip as the South African wicketkeeper made good contact with a reverse sweep which Smith held in an outstretched right hand.

His fourth catch was from an edge to slip by last man Anrich Nortje off the bowling of Beau Webster.

Smith’s career haul of 223 catches exceeds the total of all but 11 specialist wicketkeepers.

Brief scores:

Australia, first innings, 390

South Africa, first innings, 284 (A. Markram 37, D Bedingham 49, T. Stubbs 32, W. Mulder 30, S. Hermer 35 not out, K. Maharaj 34; M. Starc 2-63, J. Hazlewood 2-54, P. Cummins 3-54, N. Lyon 2-58)

Match situation: Australia lead by 106 runs on the first innings

Toss: Australia.

J.Marek--TPP