Joe Root, England’s modern-day batting maestro, added another glittering feather to his cap — this time as a fielder — during the third Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy at Lord’s. On Day 2, Root etched his name in history by taking his 211th Test catch, surpassing India’s Rahul Dravid to become the all-time leader in catches by a non-wicketkeeper in Test cricket.

The historic moment unfolded in the 21st over of India’s innings. Ben Stokes, bowling a teasing short-of-length delivery, got the ball to angle in and then seam away sharply. India’s No. 3, Karun Nair, who had looked solid until then, was caught off guard and could only edge it. The ball seemed destined to bisect the gap between wicketkeeper Jamie Smith and first slip — but Joe Root had other plans.

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Root flung himself to his left, stuck out his wrong hand, and plucked a one-handed stunner inches above the turf. It was a moment of pure brilliance that brought the Lord’s crowd to its feet. The decision went upstairs, but replays confirmed the catch was clean.

This spectacular grab not only sent Nair back for 40 off 62 balls but also helped Root surpass Dravid’s tally of 210 catches. The elite list of fielding legends now has Root on top, followed by Dravid, Mahela Jayawardene (205), Jacques Kallis (200), and Steve Smith (200).

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Known for his safe hands in the slips, Root continues to prove he’s as much a fielding asset as he is with the bat. His presence, anticipation, and technique in the cordon make him one of the finest close catchers the game has seen in the modern era.

Out on his own at the 𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐭𝐨𝐩 🔝

What a way to go clear with the most catches in Test history 🥇 pic.twitter.com/zDMUdRFZcq

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 11, 2025