Joe Root equals Rahul Dravid’s all-time Test fielding record

England great Joe Root has joined Indian legend Rahul Dravid by taking 210 Test catches as a non-wicketkeeper — the joint highest in Test history — after securing a sharp first-slip catch to dismiss Shardul Thakur on day four at Headingley.

Root claimed the milestone in just his 154th Test, ten fewer than Dravid, who set the benchmark across 164 matches. According to TalkSport, Root has reached this mark in 293 innings, compared to Dravid’s 301, underscoring his exceptional slip-fielding acumen.

The defining catch came off Josh Tongue’s delivery, sealing Root’s 210th, which celebrated not only his safe hands but also England’s determination to maintain top slip standards. Root, a former captain and England’s all-time leading Test run-scorer, continues to deliver with the same sharpness in the field.

After Root and Dravid, the list reads as follows:

• Mahela Jayawardene (SL) – 205 catches in 149 Tests
• Steve Smith (AUS) and Jacques Kallis (SA) – 200 each
• Younis Khan (PAK) – 139 catches, the only Pakistani in the top 15

Root’s milestone came at a critical phase — with the series tied and Headingley hanging in the balance, it’s another boost for England’s fielding unit. As Root continues to chase more records (including Test centuries and run-scoring milestones), his contribution with both bat and in the field remains unmatched.

With one series still to play and Root in top form, the stage is set for more memories at the slip cordon and perhaps more records to fall.