 (Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Joe Root Equals Rahul Dravid’s Record for Most Test Catches by a Non-Wicketkeeper
England’s Joe Root added another milestone to his illustrious Test career on Monday by matching Rahul Dravid’s long-standing record for the most catches by a non-wicketkeeper in Test cricket. Root’s total now stands at 210 catches.
The 34-year-old reached the landmark during the ongoing Test series against India. Fielding at first slip, Root took a sharp, low catch to dismiss Shardul Thakur off Josh Tongue’s bowling. It was a classic example of Root’s reliable presence in the slips.
Dravid, one of India’s most respected cricketers, held the record since 2012, having taken 210 catches over 164 Test matches. Root, in comparison, achieved the same number in just 154 Tests—highlighting his remarkable consistency and sharp reflexes in the field.
Most Catches by a Non-Wicketkeeper in Test Cricket:
| Player | Country | Catches | Active Player |
|---|---|---|---|
| Joe Root | England | 210 | Yes |
| Rahul Dravid | India | 210 | No |
| Mahela Jayawardene | Sri Lanka | 205 | No |
| Steve Smith | Australia | 200 | Yes |
| Jacques Kallis | South Africa | 200 | No |
Root’s fielding ability places him among the most complete cricketers in the history of Test cricket. He joins an elite group that has defined excellence in both batting and fielding over the years.
Beyond his fielding record, Root is also climbing the ranks in Test batting. With over 13,000 runs to his name, he is now just 345 runs away from surpassing Ricky Ponting to become the second-highest run-scorer in Test history.
As England continues its Test campaign, Root remains a key figure with both bat and in the field—setting new standards in modern-day cricket.
