Joe Root has etched his name into the Test cricket record books, overtaking Australia great Steve Smith to become the leading fielder for most catches in the history of the format. Root reached the landmark during Pakistan’s second innings of the first Test against England at Headingley on Friday, taking a sharp catch at leg slip to dismiss Azan Awais off Jofra Archer.The dismissal was the result of a well-executed plan between Root and Archer. Just a couple of deliveries earlier, Root had spoken to Archer and added a leg slip and short leg to the field. Archer then bowled a delivery that jagged sharply into Awais, who attempted to glance it towards fine leg but instead found the inside half of the bat, with Root completing the catch at leg slip.Awais departed for 9 off 14 balls, leaving both Pakistan openers back in the pavilion. The catch was Root’s 219th in Test cricket, moving him one clear of Smith, who had 218 catches. Root had equalled Smith’s tally during Pakistan’s first innings and then moved ahead in the second innings.
Most catches as a fielder in Test cricket
219 – Joe Root*218 – Steve Smith210 – Rahul Dravid205 – Mahela Jayawardene200 – Jacques Kallis
England leads in Headingly
Root’s latest milestone came as England continued to dominate the opening Test. England were bowled out for 409 around 40 minutes into the third day’s play, having resumed at 366/8. The hosts added 43 runs to their overnight total, with Jofra Archer contributing a valuable 23 before running out of partners. Archer’s innings included two fours and a six.Khurram Shahzad claimed the final two England wickets, dismissing Jamie Smith for 25 and bowling Josh Tongue for 8. Despite taking three wickets, Shahzad finished with expensive figures of 3/133. England’s first-innings total gave them a commanding 238-run lead after Pakistan had been dismissed for 171 in less than two sessions on the opening day.