England’s star batter Joe Root has added another feather to his illustrious cap by equaling Rahul Dravid’s record for the most catches by a non-wicketkeeper in Test cricket. Root reached this milestone during the first Test at Headingley when he took a sharp catch to dismiss Shardul Thakur off the bowling of Josh Tongue, registering his 210th Test catch.
This remarkable achievement sees Root level with the legendary Indian batter Dravid, who also took 210 catches across 301 innings. In contrast, Root has matched the record in just 293 innings—eight innings quicker, showcasing his consistency and sharp reflexes in the slip cordon.
Root Joins the Elite 200-Club in Test Cricket
Joe Root is now one of only five fielders in Test history to take 200 or more catches, joining the ranks of cricketing greats:
- 210 – Joe Root (293 innings)
- 210 – Rahul Dravid (301 innings)
- 205 – Mahela Jayawardene (270 innings)
- 200 – Jacques Kallis (315 innings)
- 200 – Steve Smith (223 innings)
Root began the Headingley Test with 208 catches. He inched closer to the record with a smart grab to dismiss KL Rahul in the first innings, and finally drew level with Dravid in the second innings.
Among English players, Alastair Cook ranks second behind Root with 175 catches in 161 matches. Root’s tally of 316 catches across formats also makes him England’s most prolific catcher among non-wicketkeepers, surpassing Paul Collingwood’s 219.
Joe Root’s Test Legacy Goes Beyond Fielding
Catching aside, Joe Root continues to excel with the bat. The 34-year-old is currently the fifth-highest run-scorer in Test history, amassing 13,034 runs at an average of 50.71. He is now just 345 runs shy of surpassing Ricky Ponting (13,378) to claim the second spot on the all-time list, behind only Sachin Tendulkar.
With plenty of cricket still ahead, Root’s combination of fielding brilliance and batting mastery is setting new standards in the game. His rise as one of the finest all-format players further solidifies his place among cricket’s greats.
