England's Joe Root has etched his name in Test cricket history, equaling Rahul Dravid's record for the most catches by a non-wicketkeeper. This remarkable feat was achieved on June 23, 2025, during the ongoing Test match against India at Headingley. Root's 210th catch, a sharp grab at first slip to dismiss Shardul Thakur off Josh Tongue's bowling, puts him alongside the Indian legend.

Dravid reached his total of 210 catches in 164 matches and 301 innings, while Root has equaled the record in his 154th Test and 293rd innings. This gives Root a slightly better catch-per-innings ratio, highlighting his consistency and reliability in the field. He boasts an impressive 0.72 catches per innings, marginally surpassing Dravid's 0.697.

Root's journey to this milestone has been marked by unwavering commitment and exceptional reflexes. Since his Test debut against India in 2012, he has been a mainstay in England's slip cordon, forming a formidable partnership with the team's bowlers. His ability to anticipate and react quickly has made him a valuable asset to the team's fielding unit. This achievement underscores his all-round abilities and importance to the England side. Beyond his batting prowess, Root's fielding skills have consistently contributed to England's success.

The context of this achievement adds to its significance. In the first Test against India, the visitors set England a target of 371 runs after centuries from KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant. Root's catch to dismiss Thakur was crucial in limiting India's second innings total, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure. As England strives to chase down the target, Root's contribution with the bat, and potentially with another catch, remains vital.

Root is only the fifth player in Test history to reach 200 or more catches. Behind Root and Dravid, Mahela Jayawardene has 205 catches, while Jacques Kallis and Steve Smith are tied with 200 catches each. Alastair Cook is the next highest among English players with 175 catches. Root also holds the record for most catches across all formats for England, with 316, ahead of Paul Collingwood's 219.

In addition to his fielding accomplishments, Root is also one of the leading run-scorers in Test cricket. He currently sits fifth on the list with 13,034 runs and is within striking distance of surpassing Ricky Ponting (13,378 runs) and Rahul Dravid (13,288 runs). Sachin Tendulkar leads the list with 15,921 runs. Root recently crossed the 13,000-run mark during the Test against Zimbabwe.