Most Test catches by a fielder for Australia – Ricky Ponting no longer at the top, number 7 won’t surprise you

Australia’s tour to Sri Lanka has been a big one in terms of milestones for stand-in skipper Steve Smith. In the first Test, he brought up his 10,000th Test run.

In the second Test, he held two catches – the first, off the bowling of Travis Head, saw him take a good chance at slip to get rid of Kamindu Mendis; the second, also held at slip, low to his left, saw Smith take the chance offered by Prabath Jayasuriya from the bowling of Mitchell Starc.

Those catches saw Smith move past Ricky Ponting and to the top of the list of most catches ever by an Australian fielder. Let’s see who else appears on the list.

7. Matthew Hayden (128 catches from 103 matches)

Known for his aggressive batting and imposing presence at the crease (and a penchant for releasing cookbooks), Matthew Hayden was also a reliable slip fielder for Australia. His large hands and sharp reflexes made him a dependable asset in the cordon.

Hayden’s 128 catches in 103 matches are a testament to his consistency and ability to take key chances when they came his way. He often positioned himself in the slips for the fast bowlers, particularly during the era of Glenn McGrath and Jason Gillespie, and played a crucial role in Australia’s dominant period in the early 2000s.

6. Michael Clarke (134 catches from 115 matches)

A stylish batsman and a successful Australian captain, Michael Clarke was also an exceptional fielder, particularly in the slips and close-in positions. Clarke had a knack for anticipating the ball’s movement, making sharp reflex catches look effortless.

His tally of 134 catches in 115 matches reflects his effectiveness in the field, where he played a pivotal role in Australia’s success in the mid-2000s and early 2010s.

5. Allan Border (156 catches from 156 matches)

A stalwart of Australian cricket and one of its most respected captains, Allan Border’s contributions extended beyond his batting prowess. Border was a safe and consistent fielder who rarely dropped a chance that came his way.

His tally of 156 catches in as many matches is a reflection of his reliability in the field. As a leader, he set the standards for his team, ensuring that fielding was given as much importance as batting and bowling. His ability to take sharp catches in the slips, combined with his leadership qualities, made him a key figure in Australian cricket.

Also read: 7 cricketers whose first Test as captain was also their Test debut

4. Mark Taylor (157 catches from 104 matches)

Mark Taylor was a superb slip fielder, often standing at first slip for Australia’s pace attack. His ability to judge the ball early and take difficult catches with ease made him one of the best slip fielders in Australian history.

Taylor’s 157 catches in 104 matches underline his consistency and skill in the field. His effort to dismiss Carl Hooper off the bowling of Michael Bevan at the SCG in 1996 is still remembered as one of the greatest slip catches of all time – the ball quickly to Taylor who spilled it as he fell backwards.

But ever the calm head, the now prone Taylor got a foot to the ball and kicked it to himself to complete the catch.

3. Mark Waugh (181 catches from 128 matches)

Arguably one of the finest slip fielders Australia has ever produced, Mark Waugh was known for his effortless and graceful fielding style. His natural ability to take stunning catches made him a standout performer in the slip cordon. Waugh’s tally of 181 catches in 128 matches speaks volumes about his skill, particularly against both pace and spin.

His presence in the slips was a significant advantage for Australia, and he made many difficult catches look incredibly easy. Waugh’s anticipation and technique set a benchmark for slip fielding that many cricketers aspired to emulate.

2. Ricky Ponting (196 catches from 168 matches)

One of the greatest batsmen in cricket history, Ricky Ponting was also an exceptional fielder, known for his athleticism and sharp reflexes. Whether stationed in the slips or at cover, Ponting had an uncanny ability to convert half-chances into dismissals.

His 196 catches in 168 matches highlight his immense contribution as a fielder. Ponting’s quick reflexes and aggressive approach to fielding set him apart from many of his contemporaries. His ability to take spectacular catches, particularly in pressure situations, made him a key player in Australia’s golden era.

1. Steven Smith (197 catches from 116 matches)

Steven Smith’s incredible achievement of surpassing Ricky Ponting to become Australia’s leading catcher is a testament to his extraordinary fielding skills.

With 197 catches in just 116 matches, Smith has set a new benchmark for fielding excellence in Test cricket. His sharp reflexes, anticipation, and ability to take low, difficult catches in the slips make him a standout fielder. Smith’s impact on the field is not just limited to his batting; his contributions in the field have often helped Australia seize crucial moments in matches.

To put his exploits into context, while Smith is now Australia’s leading fielder of all time, he is up to number five on the all-time list. Ahead of him are four of the greatest slip fielders of all time: Jacques Kallis of South Africa (200), Mahela Jayawardene (205), Joe Root (207) of England and Rahul Dravid (210).

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