Joe Root might be known around the world for his batting brilliance, but at Lord’s on July 11, he added a major feather to his cap as a fielder.
The England star broke the long-standing record held by India’s Rahul Dravid when he took a stunning catch to dismiss India's Karun Nair - No. 211 catch in his Test career.
Follow The Sporting News India on WhatsApp
This special feat was achieved on Day 2 of the 3rd Test between India and England. The moment came with a stunning one-handed low catch that sent Nair back to the pavilion.
How did Root break the record during the India vs England Test?
Ben Stokes bowled a sharp delivery to Nair in the 21st over of India’s innings and the Indian batter edged it awkwardly. Root, fielding at first slip, flew to his left and took a low catch just inches off the ground.
Nair looked settled and was threatening to build a long innings before Stokes and Root combined to send him back. The edge off Nair’s bat didn’t carry easily to the fielder; instead, it dipped sharply, but Root managed to hold on with just one hand.
The dismissal reduced India to 74/2, and more importantly, etched Root’s name into cricketing history books. With this, he overtook Dravid’s tally of 210 catches to claim the top spot.
MORE: Which Indian batters have scored a Test century at Lord's Cricket Ground?
List of top 10 players with most catches in Test cricket
Here are the top 10 players with the most catches in Tests as non-wicketkeepers:
| Player | Matches | Catches |
|---|---|---|
| Joe Root (ENG) | 156 | 211 |
| Rahul Dravid (ICC/IND) | 164 | 210 |
| Mahela Jayawardene (SL) | 149 | 205 |
| Steve Smith (AUS) | 118 | 200 |
| Jacques Kallis (ICC/SA) | 166 | 200 |
| Ricky Ponting (AUS) | 168 | 196 |
| Mark Waugh (AUS) | 128 | 181 |
| Alastair Cook (ENG) | 161 | 175 |
| Stephen Fleming (NZ) | 111 | 171 |
| Graeme Smith (ICC/SA) | 117 | 169 |
MORE: Full list of Indian bowlers with five-wicket hauls in Tests in England