Steve Smith’s remarkable performance in the ongoing Test series against Sri Lanka will be long remembered, particularly for his sensational one-handed catch in the second Test at Galle. After a dominant start by Australia, Sri Lanka fought back through an impressive partnership between captain Dhananjaya de Silva and Angelo Mathews, which yielded 47 runs. In a pivotal moment, spinner Matt Kuhnemann’s delivery edged off de Silva’s bat, heading towards the slips. Smith, demonstrating extraordinary agility, dove forward to take a stunning catch, prompting confirmation from the TV umpire that it was clean.
Simon Katich praised Smith’s efforts, noting that while his runs are often the focus, his exceptional fielding is equally significant. The timing of the catch was critical, halting de Silva, who was starting to pose a threat. Throughout the series, Smith has been in stellar form, amassing 272 runs at an average of 136, while also displaying excellent leadership in the field, as seen when he effectively deployed bowlers Mitchell Starc and Travis Head. This blend of batting prowess and sharp captaincy underscores why this series has been unforgettable for Smith.