Regarded as one of the best fielders in world cricket, Australia's Steve Smith spilled a crucial catch in the drawn second Test against Pakistan in Karachi last week.

Smith dropped Abdullah Shafique's on the fourth day of the Test match and the Pakistan opener went on to score 96, stitching a 228-run stand for the third wicket with skipper Babar Azam, who slammed a match-saving 196.

Later, Pakistan wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan hit 104 not out as the hosts batted out almost 172 overs to save the Karachi Test.

Ahead of the third Test, starting March 21, Smith said close catching is a "real challenge" on low-bounce pitches.

"It's been a real challenge," Smith said. "I've never stood as close to the bat in my life, in any conditions.

"There's just been no bounce in the wickets, so part of our plan is to ensure the ball carries as much as possible."

"It's been difficult, and difficult to adjust but we're working on that at training, we're doing very close nicks that are coming very low and fast and that's really all you can do. Just fingers crossed that they stick."

Smith also praised Babar Azam's marathon knock, which last 10-hours and seven minutes. The Pakistan captain’s innings was studded with 21 fours and 1 six.

"I thought he played our spinners so well... Everything seemed to get the middle of the bat until the one that he (Azam) got out on."

(With AFP inputs)