Joe Root, England’s prolific batsman, continues to shatter records, not just with the bat but also on the field. In the ongoing Test series against Sri Lanka, Root has added another feather to his cap by becoming the fourth cricketer in history to complete 200 catches in Test cricket. Known for his exceptional skills as a slip fielder, Root reached this milestone during Sri Lanka’s second innings in the Lord’s Test.
Root’s achievement came as he took two crucial catches—first dismissing Nishan Madushka and then safely pouching the catch of Pathum Nissanka. These catches not only underlined his prowess as a fielder but also placed him in the elite club of players who have taken 200 catches in Tests. Root is now only the fourth player globally to achieve this feat, joining the ranks of Rahul Dravid, Mahela Jayawardene, and Jacques Kallis.
Root’s Climb in the Test Cricket Records
Root’s remarkable consistency with the bat is also worth noting. In the same Test match, he scored centuries in both innings, bringing his total to 34 Test centuries. This performance not only propelled him past Alastair Cook as England’s highest century-maker in Tests but also made him the player with the most centuries at Lord’s, the iconic ground often referred to as the “Home of Cricket.”
Debuting in 2012, Root has quickly ascended the ranks in Test cricket, both as a batsman and a fielder. With 200 catches in 145 Test matches, he is closing in on Rahul Dravid’s world record of 210 catches, the highest ever by a non-wicketkeeper in Test history. Dravid, a former Indian captain, was the first player to reach the 200-catch milestone, setting a benchmark that has stood for years.
The Race to Surpass Dravid’s Record
With Root still actively playing and in top form, Dravid’s record is now within striking distance. Root needs just 11 more catches to surpass Dravid and become the player with the most catches in Test cricket. Given Root’s consistent performances and England’s busy Test schedule, it’s highly likely that he will break this record shortly.
England Dominates Sri Lanka in Lord’s Test
The ongoing Test match has been largely dominated by England. After setting a formidable target of 483 runs for Sri Lanka in the fourth innings, England’s bowlers struck early, reducing Sri Lanka to 43/2. Earlier, England posted 427 runs in their first innings and bowled out Sri Lanka for a paltry 196, before adding 251 more runs in their second innings.
As the Test match heads towards its conclusion, all eyes are on Joe Root—not just for his batting but also for his potential to rewrite the history books with his fielding exploits.
