Joe Root’s legendary Test career added another chapter of distinction on Monday, as the England batter equalled Rahul Dravid’s long-standing record for the most catches by a non-wicketkeeper in Test cricket, taking his tally to 210.
The 34-year-old reached the mark during the ongoing first Test against India, when he took a sharp, low chance at first slip to dismiss Shardul Thakur off the bowling of Josh Tongue. It was a typical Root grab that pulled him level with one of the most respected names in the sport’s history.
Rahul Dravid’s record, set in 2012, had stood for more than a decade before Joe Root’s record-levelling feat. The Indian legend held 210 catches across 164 matches, while Root has matched that figure in just 154 Tests, underlining both his longevity and consistency in the cordon.
Root’s fielding record places him alongside Test cricket’s most complete cricketers. Mahela Jayawardene of Sri Lanka is third on the list with 205 catches, followed by Steve Smith and Jacques Kallis, both tied on 200.
The top five for most catches by non-wicketkeepers in Test history now reads:
| 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 |
While the Englishman will be happy with his catching exploits, he is chasing history on far better grounds. Having already crossed the 13,000-run mark, he is poised to leapfrog several legends on the all-time list. He is now just 345 runs away from overtaking Ricky Ponting for the second spot on most Test runs scored.
While England will look to Root for match-defining innings in the remainder of the five-Test series against India, his safe hands in the slips continue to be just as valuable. From taking blinders at gully to never letting straightforward chances go, Root’s catching form has mirrored his batting consistency—dependable, effective, and at times, brilliant.
