Joe Root overtakes Steve Smith for most catches by a fielder in Test cricket
Leeds: England Test captain Joe Root added another monumental milestone to his illustrious career on Friday, surpassing Australian veteran Steve Smith to become the leading non-wicketkeeping fielder in Test cricket history.
Root claimed the record on Day 3 of the first Test against Pakistan at Headingley, clinging onto a catch to dismiss opener Azan Awais (9) off pacer Jofra Archer during Pakistan’s second innings. The catch took Root’s career tally to 219, moving him past Smith's record of 218.
Most catches by a fielder in Test cricket
Joe Root (England): 219
Steve Smith (Australia): 218
Rahul Dravid (India): 210
Mahela Jayawardene (Sri Lanka): 205
Jacques Kallis (South Africa): 200
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Equals Sachin Tendulkar's half-century record
The fielding milestone follows another remarkable achievement earlier in the match. On Thursday, Root equalled Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar’s all-time record for the most half-centuries in Test cricket.
Root scored his 68th Test fifty on Day 2, making a fluent 66 off 112 deliveries featuring 10 boundaries. He now sits alongside Tendulkar at the top of the all-time list, ahead of Shivnarine Chanderpaul (66), Allan Border (63), and Rahul Dravid (63).
Additionally, the knock marked Root’s 42nd fifty-plus score as England captain, elevating him to fifth on the all-time list for captains—behind Graeme Smith (61), Ricky Ponting (54), Allan Border (51), and Misbah-ul-Haq (43).
England assert dominance at Headingley
On the pitch, England established firm control over the opening Test. After bowling Pakistan out for 171 in their first innings—thanks to five-wicket hauls from seamers Ollie Robinson and Josh Tongue—the hosts posted 409 in reply.
Half-centuries from Harry Brook (91), Jordan Cox (73), Joe Root (66), and Dan Lawrence (51) helped England secure a commanding 238-run first-innings lead. (ANI)