Joe Root Sets Record for Most Catches by a Non-Wicketkeeper in Tests

England Test captain Joe Root became the leading fielder in Test cricket history on Friday, August 21, 2026, surpassing Australian veteran Steve Smith to claim the record for most catches by a non-wicketkeeper. The milestone was achieved on Day 3 of the first Test against Pakistan at Headingley, with Root taking the catch of Pakistan opener Azan Awais, who was dismissed for nine by England pacer Jofra Archer during Pakistan's second innings.

The catch brought Root's career tally to 219, moving him past Smith's previous record of 218 catches. Smith had recently drawn level with Root after taking three catches in Australia's first Test against Bangladesh in Darwin. With this latest dismissal, Root now stands alone at the top of the all-time list for catches by a fielder in Test cricket. He is followed by Smith with 218, former India batter Rahul Dravid with 210, Sri Lanka's Mahela Jayawardene with 205, and South Africa's Jacques Kallis with 200.

This fielding landmark came just a day after Root achieved another significant batting milestone. On Thursday, August 20, he scored his 68th Test fifty, making 66 off 112 deliveries with 10 boundaries. That innings equalled the all-time...