Joe Root Creates History: Becomes First Cricketer to Take 211 Catches in Test Cricket
England’s modern-day legend Joe Root has etched his name into the cricketing record books yet again — but this time, not for his batting. On Friday, July 11, during the third Test between England and India at Lord’s, Root became the world record holder for the most catches in Test cricket (excluding wicketkeepers), surpassing the iconic Rahul Dravid.
The record-breaking moment came in the 21st over of India’s first innings. England skipper Ben Stokes delivered a well-directed ball to Karun Nair, who edged it towards the slips. Positioned perfectly in the cordon, Root completed a sharp catch — his 211th in Test cricket — to break the long-standing record held by Dravid.
A Landmark Achievement
Joe Root’s feat is remarkable, not just because of the number, but also due to the consistency he has shown over his 140-plus Test appearances. While he is already hailed as England’s all-time leading run scorer in Test history, his ability to maintain elite standards in the field sets him apart from many greats of the game.
Root’s safe hands have long been an asset to England, particularly in the slip cordon, where fast bowlers like James Anderson and Stuart Broad have reaped the rewards of his catching reliability. His anticipation, quick reflexes, and composure under pressure make him one of the most dependable close fielders in world cricket.
The All-Time Catch Leaders in Tests
With Root now leading the charts, here’s a quick look at the top five non-wicketkeeper catch-takers in Test history:
- Joe Root (England) – 211 catches
- Rahul Dravid (India) – 210 catches
- Mahela Jayawardene (Sri Lanka) – 205 catches
- Steve Smith (Australia) – 200 catches
- Jacques Kallis (South Africa) – 200 catches
Root’s elevation to the top of this elite list is a testament to his all-round contribution to the English Test side over the years. What makes the achievement even more special is that he accomplished this while continuing to be one of the best batters of his generation.
As the series progresses, Root will have the opportunity to extend his lead further and create a benchmark that could stand the test of time. From a prolific batsman to a world record-holding fielder, Joe Root continues to redefine what it means to be a complete Test cricketer.
