Joe Root Joins Rahul Dravid In An Elite List As He Completes 200 Catches In Test Cricket

Root completed 200 catches in Test cricket [X]

England's veteran cricketer Joe Root enjoyed stellar success during the ongoing second Test against Sri Lanka at Lord's Cricket Ground in London. 

Besides slamming his 34th Test century, which helped him surpass former captain Sir Alastair Cook, Root completed 200 catches in the purest format, becoming the first-ever English player to do so. 

Known for his glorious strokeplay, Root also has a safe pair of hands as a fielder. During the third day of the penultimate Test against Sri Lanka, the talismanic cricketer took two catches to attain the phenomenal landmark. 

After Root's scintillating century propelled the hosts to a 251-run total in the second innings, Sri Lanka suffered a massive setback with Gus Atkinson dismissing Nishan Madushka in the eighth over. It was Root who claimed the catch, taking his tally to 199. 

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The 33-year-old once again oozed his fielding brilliance, holding on to the catch of Patum Nissanka and helping Olly Stone dismiss the elegant Lankan batter. 

With Nissanka's grab, Root completed 200 catches in Test cricket, joining Rahul Dravid, Jacques Kallis, and Mahela Jayawardene—the only other players to achieve the milestone as fielders. 

Most catches as a fielder in Test history

Root's ton puts England in a commanding position in 2nd Test

Unlike the first innings, England lost wickets at regular intervals in their second innings of the Lord's Test. However, Root exhibited his class and elegance, slamming a sensational century and ensuring a solid total for the hosts. 

As a result, England set a mammoth target of 483 runs for Sri Lanka, who finished on 53 for two at stumps on day three. 

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