Nathan Lyon ‘extremely grateful’ for record-setting Steve Smith’s slips catching

Nathan Lyon has set a new record for the most catches by a fielder in Test cricket, taking two stunning catches on the third day of the first Test against South Africa at Kingsmead.

The Australian off-spinner now has 40 catches in Tests, surpassing the previous record of 39 set by Courtney Walsh.

Lyon's catches were particularly impressive, with the first a sharp catch at short leg and the second a brilliant catch at slip.

The 34-year-old Lyon is now the highest catcher in the history of Test cricket, surpassing the great Courtney Walsh.