Australia's skipper takes brilliant one-handed catch in New Zealand's run chase at the SCG
Catch of the summer? Smith takes a blinder
As if scoring an SCG record of 164 with the bat wasn't enough, Steve Smith once again proved why he's one of the best fielders in the world with an incredible diving catch against New Zealand on Sunday night.
Quick Single: Sensational Smith breaks SCG record
With New Zealand building a strong reply to Australia's imposing 8-324, Smith dove full length to his left and plucked a brilliant one-handed catch to dismiss BJ Watling off the bowling of Mitchell Marsh.
The Aussie skipper was horizontal to the ground when the ball lodged in his left hand and despite landing heavily on his face, he quickly got to his feet to celebrate with his teammates.
"I actually had a really good feeling I was going to get one (a catch) that ball," Smith said after play.
"It was a bit bizarre. I was ready for it.
"It came pretty quick and I got into a good position.
"It’s one of those ones that sticks or it doesn’t and fortunately on this occasion it stuck in a crucial time."
Former Test and ODI skipper Mark Taylor said it ranked as one of the best catches he's ever seen in Australia.
"It’s right up there, no doubt about it," the Wide World of Sports commentator told cricket.com.au.
"Close to the bat, came quickly, less than a second (to react). You’ve got to have everything right to hang onto that catch.
"Firstly you’ve got to have the ability to make the catch and then when you fall not to lose the catch and he did it really well.
"(It takes) a lot of talent, bit of work at training but most importantly anticipation.
"Wanting the ball to come to you and almost looking for something like that, looking for a moment in a game where you can change the game."
While the 22,000 fans at the SCG stood to applaud, social media also lauded the incredible performance.
%E2%80%94 Usman Khawaja (@Uz_Khawaja) December 4, 2016
%E2%80%94 Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) December 4, 2016
%E2%80%94 Jessica Jonassen (@JJonassen21) December 4, 2016
%E2%80%94 Candice Warner (@CandyFalzon) December 4, 2016
%E2%80%94 Mazher Arshad (@MazherArshad) December 4, 2016
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