Sri Lanka and Australia are battling it out within the second Check of the collection on the Galle Worldwide Stadium. With each groups trying to achieve the higher hand, the competition has been filled with thrilling moments. Whereas Australia goals to claim their dominance, Sri Lanka are preventing onerous to remain within the recreation.
Steve Smith takes a surprising one-handed catch
The spotlight of Day 3 got here in Sri Lanka’s second innings when Australian star Steve Smith grabbed an unbelievable one-handed catch to dismiss Dhananjaya de Silva. The spectacular second occurred on the fifth ball of the fortieth over, bowled by Matthew Kuhnemann. The supply, full and round off, gripped and turned sharply, forcing Dhananjaya to defend. The ball took the sting and flew in the direction of first slip, the place Smith reacted immediately, diving low to his proper and plucking the ball with only one hand. The umpires reviewed the catch, however replays confirmed it was clear, including one other second of brilliance to Smith’s fielding report.
Right here is the video:
One other day, one other screamer from Steve Smith 😱pic.twitter.com/8Z1aPxUzrk
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) February 8, 2025
Smith surpasses Ricky Ponting in a uncommon Check feat
With this catch, Smith achieved a exceptional milestone in Check cricket, surpassing former Australian captain Ricky Ponting for many catches by a non-wicketkeeper within the longest format. Smith now has 198 Check catches, overtaking Ponting’s tally of 196. His distinctive fielding continues to be a vital asset for Australia, additional cementing his legacy as one of many most interesting slip fielders in cricket historical past.
Additionally WATCH: SL vs AUS – Prabath Jayasuriya bowls a jaffa to dismiss Josh Inglis for a duck on Day 3 of the second Test
Smith strikes to fifth on the all-time tally
Smith’s newest catch locations him fifth on the all-time record of most catches in Check cricket by a non-wicketkeeper. Former Indian captain Rahul Dravid leads the charts with 210 catches, adopted intently by England’s Joe Root (207), Sri Lanka’s Mahela Jayawardene (205), and South Africa’s Jacques Kallis (200). With Smith’s present type and sharp reflexes, he may quickly transfer up the rankings and problem the highest names on this elite record.
