England’s Joe Root surpasses Australia’s Steve Smith to become the most successful non-wicketkeeper catcher in Test cricket history.
WEB DESK: England batter Joe Root has created Test cricket history by breaking Australia’s Steve Smith’s record for the most catches by a non-wicketkeeper fielder.
Root achieved the milestone during the second innings of England’s first Test against Pakistan at Headingley on Friday.
Root takes record-breaking catch
Root completed his 219th Test catch when he held a sharp catch at leg slip off the bowling of Jofra Archer to dismiss Pakistan batter Azzan Awais.
The catch took Root past Australian star Steve Smith, who previously held the record with 218 catches in Test cricket.
Root’s achievement makes him the most prolific catcher among non-wicketkeepers in the history of the five-day format.
The milestone adds another major achievement to Root’s remarkable Test career.
Smith’s record surpassed
Smith had held the record for the most Test catches by a fielder before Root moved ahead of him.
Root’s 219 catches underline his consistency in the field over a long international career, alongside his achievements as one of England’s leading Test batters.
The England cricketer has now established a new benchmark for fielders in Test cricket.
England crush Pakistan at Headingley
Root’s record-breaking moment came during a dominant England performance in the first Test.
England defeated Pakistan by an innings and 103 runs to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Pakistan began their second innings 238 runs behind after England had been dismissed for 409.
However, Pakistan’s batting collapsed again as the visitors were bowled out for just 135 in 38 overs, handing England a comprehensive victory.
England take early series lead
The result gives England an early advantage in the three-match Test series.
Pakistan will now look to regroup ahead of the second Test, while England will aim to build on their commanding performance.
For Root, the victory was made even more memorable by another entry into the Test record books.
