Joe Root Sets New Record for Most Catches in Test Cricket
Listen to the story
England batter Joe Root has broken the record for the most catches taken by a fielder in Test cricket history. Root took his 219th catch during a match against Pakistan at Headingley, a famous cricket ground in England.
The previous record was held by Australian batter Steve Smith, who had taken 218 catches in his Test career. By taking one more catch than Smith, Root has now moved into first place for this statistic.
In cricket, a fielder takes a catch to get a batter out. Players who are not wicketkeepers or bowlers can still take many catches over a long career, especially if they field close to the batter. Root is known for fielding in these close positions during matches.
Root has played Test cricket for England for many years and is one of the country's most successful batters. This record shows another side of his skill on the field, beyond his ability to score runs.
Steve Smith remains one of the greatest batters in modern cricket, and his catching record had stood for some time before Root passed it. Cricket fans and experts often compare records like this to measure how great a player has been across their whole career, not just with the bat or the ball.
This achievement adds to Root's already impressive list of career records in Test cricket, and it is likely to be remembered as a key moment in his long career for England.
Vocabulary4 words
- catches
- times a player takes the ball in their hands to get someone out
- Test cricket
- the longest and most traditional form of international cricket
- statistic
- a number that shows how well someone has done
- wicketkeepers
- players who stand behind the batter and often catch the ball
Quiz
Answer key
1. Most catches in Test cricket 2. Steve Smith 3. Headingley
Fill-in-the-blank listening
Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.
England batter Joe Root has broken the _____ for the most catches taken by a fielder in Test cricket history. Root took his 219th catch during a match against _____ at Headingley, a famous cricket ground in England.
The previous record was held by Australian batter Steve _____, who had taken 218 catches in his Test career. By taking one more catch than Smith, Root has now moved into first _____ for this statistic.
In cricket, a fielder takes a catch to get a batter _____. Players who are not wicketkeepers or bowlers can still take many catches over a long career, especially if they field close to the batter.
Root has played Test cricket for England for many years and is one of the country's most successful _____. This record shows another side of his skill on the field.
Steve Smith remains one of the greatest batters in modern cricket, and his catching record had _____ for some time before Root passed it.
This achievement adds to Root's already impressive list of career _____ in Test cricket, and it is likely to be remembered as a key moment in his long career for England.
Discussion questions
- Why do you think catching records are important in cricket?
- What other skills, besides batting, make a cricket player great?
- Do you follow any records in your favourite sport? Which ones?
- How do you think Steve Smith might feel about losing this record?