England’s Joe Root has set a new record for the most catches in Test cricket, surpassing Rahul Dravid with 211 clasps, and shares insights into his journey and the dynamics of the slip cordon.
From Crisps to Records: Root’s Fielding Journey
Joe Root’s incredible fielding career, which recently saw him claim his 211th Test catch at Lord’s, began with humble incentives. At just eight or nine years old, playing for Sheffield Collegiate Cricket Club, his motivation was simple: a packet of crisps and a fizzy drink.
He told BBC Sport that senior players would keep young fielders engaged by asking how many balls were left, offering 20p for correct answers. This early “apprenticeship” fostered a desire to be constantly involved in the game, a drive that clearly stuck with him.
Memorable Moments and Favorite Catches
Among his vast collection of catches, Root cherishes a few standouts. He recalled a difficult lunge to dismiss Sri Lanka’s Shaminda Eranga in 2016 at Chester-le-Street. Another highlight was a full-stretch dive at short cover to send back India’s Ajinkya Rahane in Chennai in 2021, a catch he remembers alongside scoring a double hundred as captain.
The Friendly Rivalry with Steve Smith
Joe Root isn’t just competing for runs; he’s also in a friendly contest with Australia’s Steve Smith for the most catches. While Root now holds the overall record, Smith isn’t far behind with 200 catches from fewer Tests. According to CricViz, Smith boasts an impressive 0.9 catches per Test, slightly ahead of Root’s 0.7 average.
Root emphasizes that Test catching, much like batting, demands intense, sustained focus. It requires training your body to be relaxed yet ready for long periods, often waiting days for an opportunity.
The Agony of a Drop and Broad’s Teasing
Even for the best fielders, dropped catches are an inevitable part of the game. Root admits there are moments “when you want the floor to swallow you up” after a miss. The only way to move past it is to crave the next opportunity and trust yourself not to repeat the mistake.
Stuart Broad, his long-time teammate, has a notorious memory for Root’s misses. Broad has seen Root drop 12 chances off his bowling, more than off any other bowler, and never shies away from reminding him. Root light-heartedly jokes that Broad probably has a detailed record of every single one.
Cordon Camaraderie and Crawley’s Debates
Life in the slip cordon can be long, leading to plenty of chatter. Root revealed that Zak Crawley is often the most “interesting” conversationalist. Crawley has a knack for starting debates, even on topics he doesn’t truly believe in, just to keep the conversation flowing.
These discussions range from naming the world’s top five footballers to planning dinner. Root noted that despite playing Test cricket, the conversations aren’t much different from those you’d hear in local or village cricket, highlighting the shared human element among professional athletes.
- Joe Root holds the record for most Test catches with 211.
- His fielding career started with incentives like crisps and small change.
- He competes with Steve Smith not just in batting but also in catching.
- Stuart Broad keeps a running tally of Root’s dropped catches off his bowling.
- Zak Crawley is known for instigating random debates in the slip cordon.
Root’s longevity and consistency in the slips have made him a true legend of the game, proving that every aspect of cricket, from batting to fielding, requires immense dedication.
