AUS vs WI: Steve Smith grabs stunner to dismiss Jason Holder

The ongoing first Test between Australia and the West Indies has not been short of action, as the fifth day of the series opener produced a stunning effort from former Australian skipper Steve Smith. Smith displayed cat-like reflexes to grab a spectacular catch to dismiss Jason Holder.

The visiting Caribbean side showed signs of resilience on the back of a memorable ton from their skipper, Kraigg Brathwaite, on the fourth day in Perth. However, their resistance was short-lived as Nathan Lyon dismissed both Brathwaite and Kyle Mayers to make early inroads on the final day of the series opener.

With former West Indian skipper Jason Holder on the crease, the visitors hoped for a lower-order riposte. But the accomplished all-rounder was dismissed by Travis Head via an acrobatic attempt by Steve Smith. Holder slashed at a wide delivery only to edge it towards Smith, who completed a stunning catch despite the ball almost brushing wicketkeeper Alex Carey's gloves.

Steve Smith kicks the heels up after a great catch at slip and Travis Head is off and celebrating! #PlayOfTheDay #AUSvWI | @nrmainsurance pic.twitter.com/y8yY0XdQuL

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 4, 2022

The Australians have been bang on the money when it comes to catching in the game as Smith's middle-order batting partner Marnus Labuschagne took a one-handed stunner in the dying stages of the fourth day to get rid of the stubborn Jermaine Blackwood, breaking the back of the Windies' defiance. Barring a miraculous effort from the tailenders, Australia are on their way to a commanding win in the series opener.

While the visitors were prepared for a full-on assault from the Australian pacers with the new ball on the fifth and final day of the first Test, spinning ace Nathan Lyon emerged as their tormentor-in-chief. Lyon, who has been Australia's best spinner since the retirement of the late great Shane Warne, has scalped four wickets in the second innings so far and is just one wicket away from completing his 21st five-wicket haul in Test cricket.