Joe Root equals Rahul Dravid tally - Top 10 players with most catches in Test cricket

Contributor
Divy Dubey
Joe Root equals Rahul Dravid tally - Top 10 players with most catches in Test cricket image

Joe Root has added another feather to his cap. During the fourth day of the first Test against India at Headingley, the former England captain equalled Rahul Dravid's long-standing record of 210 catches in Test cricket by a non-wicketkeeper.

He has now tied with one of the most dependable fielders the game has ever seen. The moment came when Root; fielding in his usual position in the slips, reacted to grab a thick edge.

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It was his 210th Test catch, taken in just his 154th match. Dravid was known for his calmness; and had taken the same number of catches across 164 Tests.

Root's quickness in the slips has long been a strength for England. Whether standing close to the bat against spin or crouching low against pace, his reflexes have remained top-notch.

More: What are England's highest successful run chases in Test cricket? Top 5 listed

Now with time on his side and England set to play several more Tests this year, Root is in position to surpass Dravid and take ownership of the record.

Top 10 players with most catches in Test cricket

While Root and Dravid now share the top spot, the Englishman edges ahead slightly when it comes to catch efficiency. His catch-per-innings ratio stands at 0.716 - just ahead of Dravid's 0.697.

More: What is the highest successful run chase in Test matches at Headingley, Leeds? Top 10 most runs chased down in win at venue listed

The list also features names like Mahela Jayawardene, Steve Smith and Jacques Kallis.

PlayerSpanMatInnsCtMaxCt/Inn
Joe Root (ENG)2012–2025154*29321040.716
Rahul Dravid (IND/ICC)1996–201216430121030.697
Mahela Jayawardene (SL)1997–201414927020540.759
Steve Smith (AUS)2010–202511722320050.896
Jacques Kallis (SA/ICC)1995–201316631520040.634
Ricky Ponting (AUS)1995–201216832819630.597
Mark Waugh (AUS)1991–200212824518140.738
Alastair Cook (ENG)2006–201816130017530.583
Stephen Fleming (NZ)1994–200811119917150.859
Graeme Smith (SA/ICC)2002–201411722516950.751