Known for his exceptional batting skills and tremendous fielding abilities, Steve Smith captured the attention of cricket fans with a breathtaking one-handed catch in the County Championship Division Two fixture between Sussex and Leicestershire.
Smith displayed his fielding prowess by getting rid of Leicestershire’s all-rounder, Rehan Ahmed. It all happened during the 59th over of Licestershire’s second innings when Henry Crocombe bowled a full delivery and Rehan went for a drive through covers.
However, the outswing helped the red leather carry a thick edge which flew quickly towards the slip cordon. For a moment, it appeared the ball would pierce through slips to go towards the boundary, but Smith, who was positioned at second slip, demonstrated agility and skill, as he swiftly dived to his right and plucked an absolute blinder.
Here is the video:
WOW!
Steve Smith, that is a ridiculous slip catch!#LVCountyChamp pic.twitter.com/AoEotk10sy
— LV= Insurance County Championship (@CountyChamp) May 14, 2023
Speaking about the game, Sussex posted an imposing total of 430 in their first innings, thanks to a tremendous century from Tom Alsop. The Buckinghamshire-born batter smashed an unbeaten 182 from 316 deliveries, with the help of 21 boundaries. Captain and Indian stalwart Cheteshwar Pujara also shined with the bat, scoring 77 runs from 128 deliveries, including 16 boundaries.
Further, James Coles contributed well with 70 off 104 balls, featuring 9 fours and a six. However, Smith failed to impress with the bat as he only scored 3 runs before Wiaan Mulder dismissed him. Mulder performed exceptionally well and picked up five scalps for 63 runs in 24.3 overs.
Following Sussex’s first innings, Leicestershire were dismissed for 270, prompting them to be asked to follow on. Initially struggling at 65/4, the team managed to mount a remarkable recovery as both Mulder and Rishi Patel displayed exceptional batting performances, each scoring a century. Their contributions guided Leicestershire to a final total of 295/6, leading to the match ending in a draw.
