Steve Smith achieves another massive milestone, only behind Ricky Ponting in elite list

Steve Smith did not have the best of outings with the bat in the ongoing first Test between New Zealand and Australia in Wellington. The former Australia captain started opening in Tests from last month during the two-match Test series against West Indies.

In his first three innings, he registered scores of 12, 11*, and 6 before playing an unbeaten knock of 91. In the ongoing Test against New Zealand, he failed to get going in both the innings. In the first innings, he got the start but failed to capitalize on the start and was dismissed for 31. In the second innings, he was clean-bowled by Tim Southee for a duck in the very first over.

Steve Smith achieves major milestone:

While Steve Smith did not have the best of outings with the bat in the Wellington Test, he still managed to achieve a major milestone. The Australia star is now second in the list of most catches by a fielder (non-wicketkeeper) for Australia in the longest format of the game.

He went past former batsman Mark Waugh’s tally of 181 catches when he took his second catch in the second innings. The Australia star left Waugh behind when he took Will Young’s catch in the slip cordon. Before that, he had also taken Kane Williamson’s catch to equal Waugh’s tally. Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting is now only ahead of Steve Smith. Ponting retired from Tests with 196 catches in 168 Tests. Steve Smith now has 182 catches in 108 Tests.

Most catches for Australia in Tests (non wicketkeeper)

• Ricky Ponting – 196 catches from 168 Tests
• Steve Smith – 182* catches from 108 Tests
• Mark Waugh – 181 catches from 128 Tests
• Mark Taylor – 157 catches from 104 Tests
• Allan Border – 156 catches from 156 Tests

With grabs like these, it's no surprise Steve Smith is one of the most prolific 🔥

He moves into the top six for the most catches without gloves in men's Tests! #NZvAUS https://t.co/A4IW5XnAre pic.twitter.com/KaIJYIaoqU

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) March 2, 2024

Talking about the Test, Australia have set New Zealand a target of 369 runs. In reply, the hosts ended day three on 111 for 3 with Rachin Ravindra (56) and Daryl Mitchell (12) unbeaten at the crease. Earlier in the game, Australia piled up 383 runs in their first innings before New Zealand were bowled out for 179. In the second innings, the visitors were bowled out for 164.