Taking a screamer off Nathan Lyon’s bowling to dismiss Will Young, Steve Smith vaulted past Mark Waugh on the list of most catches in Test cricket. Despite his unorthodox technique, Smith boasts the highest catch-per-innings ratio among all fielders.
Here’s a look at some of the best fielders in Test cricket, ranked by their career catch tally:
Rahul Dravid
Rahul Dravid holds the record for the most catches in Test history, with a total of 210 catches in 164 Test matches. David’s exceptional fielding skills, particularly in the slip cordon, set him apart as one of the best slip fielders in cricket history.
His ability to maintain focus and concentration while fielding was instrumental in supporting bowlers like Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh. Dravid’s record of never getting out for a Golden duck in his 286 Test innings further highlights his consistency and reliability on the field.
Mahela Jayawardene
Mahela Jayawardene holds the record for the second most catches taken in Test cricket, with an impressive total of 205 catches in 149 career games. Jayawardene’s exceptional fielding skills and consistency as a fielder set him apart as one of the best in the sport.
His remarkable catch per innings rate of 0.759 reflects his agility and reliability on the field. Throughout his career spanning from 1997 to 2015, Jayawardene showcased his prowess as a fielder, making crucial contributions to his team’s success.
Jacques Kallis
Jacques Kallis showcased exceptional skills not only with the bat and ball but also in the field. Throughout his illustrious test career, Kallis took an impressive total of 200 catches in 166 Test career games.
His prowess as an all-rounder extended beyond scoring over 10,000 runs and taking more than 250 wickets in both forms of the game. His remarkable achievements, including being the first South African player to reach certain milestones, have left an indelible mark on cricket history.
Ricky Ponting
Ricky Ponting, the legendary Australian cricketer, had an illustrious Test match career where he showcased exceptional skills both as a batsman and a fielder. Throughout his career, Ponting took a total of 196 catches in Test matches.
Known for his impeccable fielding, Ponting’s dead-eye catching abilities were a force to be reckoned with on the cricket field. His career was marked by numerous achievements, including leading Australia to significant victories in various tournaments like the Ashes, Cricket World Cups, and ICC Champions Trophies.
Joe Root
Joe Root has taken a total of 192 catches in his Test Cricket career, making him the highest-ranked England player in terms of catches. His catching prowess places him fifth overall in the list of most catches in Test cricket history.
Root’s exceptional fielding skills have been a significant asset throughout his Test matches, contributing to his reputation as a reliable fielder. His consistency and agility in the field have earned him a notable position among cricket players known for their fielding abilities.
Steve Smith
Steve Smith has taken a total of 182 catches in his Test Cricket career for Australia. He has highest catch per innings ratio of 0.887. Known for his exceptional skills and contributions to the sport, Smith’s career has been marked by significant achievements.
His journey from a leg-spinner to one of the best batters in modern cricket is a testament to his dedication and talent. Averaging 57 in test cricket after having a lean patch during last 12 months speaks of his remarkable domination of the game.