Steve Smith matched and then surpassed Joe Root’s world record for Test catches during Australia’s dominant first Test performance against South Africa at Kingsmead on Sunday. The match, held in Durban, saw Australia tighten its hold on the contest by restricting the hosts to 4-115 at lunch in their first innings, trailing by 275 runs.

South Africa’s promising second-wicket partnership, formed by David Bedingham and Aiden Markram, was broken early in the session as the Proteas lost three wickets for just 15 runs. Markram, who had scored 37, fell to Mitchell Starc, caught at first slip by opener Matt Renshaw. Renshaw later secured another crucial catch off Starc to remove the dangerous Aiden Markram. Bedingham reached 49 before edging a Pat Cummins delivery to Steve Smith at second slip.

Smith’s pair of notable catches were central to Australia's bowling success and saw him climb to 221 Test catches, surpassing England’s Joe Root for the most catches by a nonwicketkeeper in Test cricket. His 220th dismissal came when South African captain Temba Bavuma was caught after attempting a reverse sweep. Smith’s 221st catch was a spectacular diving effort at second slip, highlighting his sharp reflexes and anticipation.

The bowling attack was well distributed, with Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, and Nathan Lyon all contributing to the Proteas’ collapse. South Africa nearly lost a fifth wicket before lunch when Wiaan Mulder edged Lyon to Marnus Labuschagne at slip; however, the third umpire ruled that the ball had not been cleanly caught.

Australia’s strong position was underpinned by a solid first innings total of 390, putting them in control of the Test. Commentators praised the team’s effort, with former players highlighting the significance of the total in the context of Test history. Kayo Sports commentator Mark Waugh singled out Renshaw’s 190-run innings as a key factor in Australia’s commanding position, praising the opener for delivering a powerful, technically sound performance under pressure. Kerry O’Keeffe noted that Australia had turned around a difficult first day and was now “bossing the game,” emphasizing the advantage of posting a large first innings score.

Australian squad depth was also showcased as reserve wicketkeeper Josh Inglis returned to South Africa after recovering from a broken finger, while all-rounder Cameron Green was present at Kingsmead as he aimed to return from an abdominal strain later in the series. This increased availability could provide Australia with more options as the Test progresses.

In other international cricket news, Australia’s women’s ODI team secured a 2-0 series win over Bangladesh in Brisbane on Sunday. Georgia Voll led the charge with an unbeaten 131, her third ODI century and second at Allan Border Field, where she debuted internationally two years ago. Phoebe Litchfield added a classy 70 as Australia cruised to a nine-wicket victory, leaving Bangladesh shellshocked.