Perth: Apart from the battle of bat and ball Test cricket has plenty of moments to offer to its fans. In a slowly drifting five-day encounter there are moments which often leave us in awe. Cricket aficionados witnessed one such moment during the third day of the first Test between Australia and New Zealand at the Optus Stadium here.
An unusual catch by on-field umpire Aleem Dar grabbed the attention of the TV crew. As Australia bundled out New Zealand for mere 166 in the first innings, Steve Smith and umpire Dar shared a light moment.
In a video shared on Twitter by Cricket Australia, Smith is seen throwing a hat towards Dar. The Pakistani umpire flaunting his fitness dived in the air to catch the floppy hat. The umpire caught the hat quite easily and received huge applause from the stands. ICC termed the catch a 'neat hat trick'.
Earlier, Smith took a one-handed catch in the ongoing Perth Test to dismiss New Zealand captain Kane Williamson.
In the meantime, Dar surpassed former West Indies umpire Steve Bucknor's record of most Test matches as an umpire. The 51-year-old umpire is currently officiating 129th Test, surpassing the record of 128 Tests set by Bucknor.
