‘Absolute Genius’ Steve Smith takes a blinder to dismiss Dunith Wellalage in SL vs AUS 1st ODI

Australia’s stand-in captain Steve Smith has showcased a surreal moment of slip catching during the ongoing first ODI match against Sri Lanka. The veteran cricketer pulled off a one-handed stunner to send all-rounder Dunith Wellalage during a crucial moment of the match at the R. Premadasa Stadium.

Aaron Hardie and Spencer Johnson ran through the Sri Lankan top order after being asked to bowl first on February 12. They reduced the home side to 4-31 during the first ODI. Hardie and Johnson handled the responsibility with ease in the absence of Australia’s big three fast bowlers, taking two wickets each.

Watch: Steve Smith Takes Stunning One-Handed Diving Catch

The dismissal occurred in the 26th over of Sri Lanka’s innings. Dunith Wellalage was beaten by an extra bounce off Matthew Short’s bowling. The left-handed batter edged the delivery towards the right side of Steve Smith, who was standing at first slip.

The Australian skipper dove to his right quickly and snatched the ball with an outstretched hand. The catch ended the partnership between Wellalage and Sri Lanka skipper Charith Asalanka. Wellalage, who scored 30 runs off 34 balls with two fours and one six, added 67 runs off 69 balls for the sixth wicket.

7Cricket shared the video on its official X account (formerly known as Twitter) with the caption: “Steve Smith has DONE IT AGAIN. He takes a beauty at slip! #SLvAUS”.

You can watch the video of the dismissal below:

https://twitter.com/7Cricket/status/1889563146236440840?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

Steve Smith is an Absolute Genius – Simon Katich

Former Test cricketer Simon Katich, who was on the commentary panel, praised Smith for his stunning catch. Katich described Smith as a genius, whether with the bat or in the field at first slip. He stated that the Australian skipper led by example with this exceptional fielding performance.

“Steve Smith carries on from the Test series,” Simon Katich said on Seven.

“He is an absolute genius, whether it’s with the bat in his hand or at first slip. This is an absolute beauty. It goes fine and quickly to his right, one-handed, almost behind himself and reels it in. Leading by example – that is a beauty,” he added.

“This is a truly wild moment. This catch is outstanding,” the Sri Lankan caller said.

“It was to his right … look at the judgement, the timing, that reaction. Hands on heads, they all know it’s a brilliant catch. Simply a magnificent effort.”

Steve Smith Has Been Exceptional with His Fielding During Ongoing Sri Lanka Tour

Smith’s remarkable one-handed catch was his third of the innings. The 35-year-old has been in exceptional form since the middle of the home summer. With over 330 catches across all three formats in international cricket, Smith is further solidifying his legacy as one of Australia’s greatest fielders.

Smith recently made history by taking his 200th catch in Test cricket during the second Test against Sri Lanka in Galle. He equaled Jacques Kallis for joint fourth on the all-time list. Smith also took a stunning catch to dismiss Sri Lankan captain Dhananjaya de Silva off Matthew Kuhnemann’s bowling on Day 3.

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