Watch, Sheffield Shield | Smith shows unbelievable reflexes to take stunning one-handed catch at slips

‌Despite boasting the likes of Steve Smith, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, and Nathan Lyon, New South Wales lost their fourth round Sheffield Shield game against Victoria in Sydney by a whopping 300 runs. Peter Handscomb’s first innings century, combined with Sam Elliott’s eight-wicket match haul, helped the visitors to overpower NSW at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Wednesday.

The hosts’ skipper Smith had a good knock ahead of the Ashes opener against England, starting in Perth from November 21, with two half-centuries, while Starc and Lyon picked up four wickets in the first innings. In addition to his exploits with the bat, Smith also turned up as the ever-reliable fielder for the home side in the slip cordon.

The former Australian captain came up with a stunning single-handed catch at first slip off Nathan Lyon’s bowling to recreate a now-familiar sight in international cricket. The Victorian duo of Fergus O’Neill and skipper Will Sutherland were in the midst of a crucial seventh wicket stand when the off spinner produced the breakthrough to keep the home side’s hopes alive.

But the wicket was as much Smith’s as it was Lyon’s, as the NSW skipper showed extraordinary reflexes to end O’Neill’s stay at the crease. With Lyon delivering a short of the length delivery outside off stump, the batter misread the length and went for a late cut, and the ball flew after hitting the face of the bat.

Smith, who was initially blindfolded by the wicketkeeper’s right foot, instinctively went towards his right before quickly changing direction to pouch the red cherry with his left hand. O’Neill was stunned as he kept his hand on his heart in disbelief before starting his walk back.

However, it was business as usual for Smith as he got up and threw the ball towards the umpire amid teammates rushing in to congratulate him.

Stunning Reflex!