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.
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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.
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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.
The list also features names like Mahela Jayawardene, Steve Smith and Jacques Kallis.
| Player | Span | Mat | Inns | Ct | Max | Ct/Inn |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Joe Root (ENG) | 2012–2025 | 154* | 293 | 210 | 4 | 0.716 |
| Rahul Dravid (IND/ICC) | 1996–2012 | 164 | 301 | 210 | 3 | 0.697 |
| Mahela Jayawardene (SL) | 1997–2014 | 149 | 270 | 205 | 4 | 0.759 |
| Steve Smith (AUS) | 2010–2025 | 117 | 223 | 200 | 5 | 0.896 |
| Jacques Kallis (SA/ICC) | 1995–2013 | 166 | 315 | 200 | 4 | 0.634 |
| Ricky Ponting (AUS) | 1995–2012 | 168 | 328 | 196 | 3 | 0.597 |
| Mark Waugh (AUS) | 1991–2002 | 128 | 245 | 181 | 4 | 0.738 |
| Alastair Cook (ENG) | 2006–2018 | 161 | 300 | 175 | 3 | 0.583 |
| Stephen Fleming (NZ) | 1994–2008 | 111 | 199 | 171 | 5 | 0.859 |
| Graeme Smith (SA/ICC) | 2002–2014 | 117 | 225 | 169 | 5 | 0.751 |