Decoding fielders with 200-plus catches in Test cricket
Joe Root entered a new club in Test cricket and this time it's in fielding. The celebrated batter became just the fourth fielder in the history of Test cricket to claim 200-plus catches. Root came into the 2nd encounter at Lord's in the 2024 Test series between England and Sri Lanka with 198 catches. Here we decode fielders with 200-plus catches in Tests.
Rahul Dravid - 210 catches
In a superb Test career spanning from 1996-2012, former Indian cricket team stalwart Rahul Dravid holds the record for most catches taken by a fielder. As per ESPNcricinfo, he finished his career with a total of 210 catches from 301 innings (164 Tests). Dravid amassed 13,288 runs at an average of 52.31. He smashed 36 tons in addition to 63 half-centuries.
Mahela Jayawardene - 205 catches
Former Sri Lankan legend Mahela Jayawardene was a superb fielder and made his presence felt with 205 catches in a career spanning from 1997 to 2014. He completed 205 catches in 270 innings from 149 matches. A top-notch batter, Jayawardene managed to score 11,814 runs at an average of 49.84. He hit 34 tons and 50 fifties.
Joe Root - 200 catches
Root completed the landmark moment with the catches of Nishan Madushka and Pathum Nissanka in Sri Lanka's run-chase at Lord's. In 145 Test matches, Root owns 200 catches from 275 innings. Root hammered twin centuries in the 2nd Test at Lord's (143 and 103). He raced to 34 Test tons, becoming England's highest centurion.
Jacques Kallis - 200 catches
Former South African all-rounder Jacques Kallis left a lasting impression across all three departments. He had a safe pair of hands and went on to collect 200 catches from 315 innings (166 matches). Kallis, who played from 1995-2013, managed 13,289 runs at 55.37. He smashed 45 tons and 58 fifties. With the ball, Kallis claimed 292 wickets at 32.65.
