NEW DELHI: Taking stunning catches is nothing new for Steve Smith, but the Australia stand-in skipper produced a moment of pure brilliance at the Gabba, pulling off a sensational grab that shifted the momentum Australia’s way and ended a frustrating 96-run stand between Ben Stokes and Will Jacks.
The dismissal came when Michael Neser delivered a short-of-a-length ball that seamed away just enough to find Jacks’ outside edge.
NO WAY! NO WAY STEVE SMITH! WOW!#Ashes , #PlayoftheDay , @nrmainsurance pic.twitter.com/4ziSJChGd4
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 7, 2025
At first, it didn’t even look like a catching chance – Smith was stationed unusually wide at slip and wasn’t even in the broadcast frame. But in a flash, his left hand shot into view, stretching low and scooping up the dying edge mere inches off the turf.
The third umpire was called in to confirm the legality of the catch, and after a replay, the decision went Australia’s way. It was undeniably a reaction catch – one that required anticipation, lightning-fast reflexes, and impeccable judgment.
Smith let out an emotional roar after completing the grab, knowing he had broken the stand that had kept Australia at bay for most of the morning session. For Jack, it was a cruel end; for Australia, it was the breakthrough they desperately needed.
Smith draws level with Dravid
Smith went on to take two more catches in the innings, drawing level with Rahul Dravid at 210 catches in Test cricket. Only Joe Root stands ahead of them with 213 grabs.
With both Smith and Root still active in the format, the race for the all-time top spot is very much alive – and it’s anyone’s guess who will eventually finish as Test cricket’s most prolific catcher.
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