"Absolute freak" Smith claims world record with insane catches

LISTEN LIVE: SEN's call of SA v Aus

A record-breaking day three for “freaky” Steve Smith saw the 37-year-old claim the most Test career catches by a non wicket-keeper as Australia finished in a strong position in Durban.

Smith took four catches to take his career total to 223 as South Africa were bowled out for a total of 284.

Bad light ended play for a third straight day with Australia 0-33 at stumps with a total lead of 139.

Smith equalled England’s Joe Root when he took Temba Bavuma for 3 off Nathan Lyon before an epic diving catch ended David Bedingham’s innings.

Then came a one-hand catch to dismiss Kyle Verreynne before Smith’s fourth and final catch of the day - Anrich Nortje - ended the host's innings.

“It’s outrageous skill,” Gerard Whateley said of Smith's performance on SEN’s call of the Test. “Even his teammates are aghast with what he is able to do. Smith has twisted and distorted this game.

“The highlights he has produced today; the finest slip fielder of his generation.

“The idea of being able to pouch that, one-handed. That rocketed off the blade, and Smith was still there for it.”

Smith's teammates were equally impressed, Nathan Lyon describing his actions as "freaky".

“He’s an absolute freak,” Lyon said afterwards.

“He’s an incredible thinker of the game, but the way he moves and premeditates those types of catches, they’re freaky.

“There's not many people within that change room that will be able to pull off what he does."