Steve Smith Breaks Test Catch Record: His Cards
On Day 3 at Kingsmead, Durban, Steve Smith's 221st Test catch overtook Joe Root's world record of 220. Australia won the 1st Test by 214 runs and Smith finished it on 224 catches, the most ever by a non-wicketkeeper in Test history. If you collect Smith cards, your timing is impeccable.
How exactly did the record fall?
Smith started Day 3 on 219 catches, needing two to pass Root. He took four on the day: one to equal the record, one to break it outright, and two more for good measure, including a one-handed reverse-sweep catch off Nathan Lyon that looked like it was staged. Root's 220 had stood across 169 Tests. Smith cleared it in 126.
By match end the total was 224. Rahul Dravid sits third all-time on 210, so there is no realistic chaser. This record is Smith's for a long time.
What Smith cards are in 2025-26 TGI Cricket Traders?
Smith appears six times across the confirmed checklists. Four slots in the International Series insert reflect TGI's standard way of rewarding their standout players. The Ashes Players card puts him alongside Ponting (AP25), Gilchrist (AP07), and McGrath (AP24) in a 30-card tribute to Australian Ashes history.
- Base #008 Steve Smith
- IS12 Steve Smith, International Series insert (36-card set)
- IS15 Steve Smith, International Series insert (36-card set)
- IS19 Steve Smith, International Series insert (36-card set)
- IS23 Steve Smith, International Series insert (36-card set)
- AP27 Steve Smith, The Ashes Players insert (30-card set)
What parallels does Smith's base card come in?
Three confirmed tiers: Silver (one per pack, set-wide), Mojo Opal (colour-shifted foil), and Mojo Opal Gold 1/1 (set-wide super-short print). A Smith Mojo Opal Gold 1/1 would exist but has not been publicly confirmed as pulled or sold.
If you have pulled a Smith Silver or Mojo Opal, log it in CardLoft to keep a private record and trade it with people you actually know.
Is there a Steve Smith auto in this set?
No. The 2025-26 TGI Cricket Traders Authentic Series Signature checklist has 12 signers, all from the BBL and WBBL. Smith is not among them and has not appeared as a Traders auto signer in any TGI retail release. Any listing claiming a Smith auto from this set deserves a second look.
What should Smith collectors watch for next?
2026-27 TGI Cricket Traders Luxe releases November 1, 2026. It introduces a new Top Fielders insert, a natural fit for the man who just rewrote Test fielding history. The full checklist has not been published yet. Given Smith's presence across every comparable insert in 2025-26, his inclusion is close to certain.
Frequently asked questions
How many Test catches does Steve Smith have?
224, as at the end of the 1st Test against South Africa at Kingsmead (October 9-13, 2026). The record-breaking 221st catch came on Day 3, passing Joe Root's previous mark of 220.
Is the IS23 card serial-numbered to 36?
No. The 36 refers to the size of the International Series insert set, not a print run. IS12, IS15, IS19, and IS23 are all standard inserts with no stated print limit.
Does Smith have an auto in 2025-26 TGI Cricket Traders?
No. The Authentic Series Signature checklist features BBL and WBBL players only. Smith is not a signer in this release.
Who else is in The Ashes Players insert with Smith?
The 30-card set includes Ricky Ponting (AP25), Adam Gilchrist (AP07), Glenn McGrath (AP24), Dennis Lillee, Shane Warne, and other Australian Ashes legends. Smith is AP27.
When does 2026-27 TGI Cricket Traders Luxe come out?
November 1, 2026. It includes a new Top Fielders insert, though the official checklist has not been released yet.
