Joe Root has added another remarkable milestone to his Test cricket career, becoming the most successful non-wicketkeeper fielder in Test history during England’s third Test against Pakistan at Edgbaston.

The England star took his 220th Test catch on Thursday, September 10, moving past Australia’s Steve Smith at the top of the all-time list for catches by a non-wicketkeeper. Root’s latest landmark came during Pakistan’s second innings as England strengthened their grip on the match.

Joe Root Completes 220th Test Catch

Root reached the record when Pakistan batter Abdullah Shafique edged an Ollie Robinson delivery to first slip. Root made no mistake with the straightforward opportunity, completing his 220th catch in the longest format.

The dismissal came almost immediately after Robinson had removed Saim Ayub with the first ball of Pakistan’s second innings. Root’s catch left Pakistan 0-2 and gave England further momentum in a Test they had already taken control of.

Root had previously shared the record with Steve Smith before moving ahead at Edgbaston. The milestone highlights his remarkable consistency as a slip fielder throughout a Test career that has now stretched across more than 160 matches.

Root Surpasses Steve Smith In Test Catch Record

Steve Smith has long been regarded as one of the finest close-in fielders of his generation, particularly at slip. Root’s latest catch, however, has moved the England batter ahead in a record that measures fielding contributions across a player's Test career.

Root's achievement is particularly notable because the record excludes wicketkeepers. It therefore recognises specialist fielders who have regularly operated in positions such as slip and close catching areas.

The milestone also adds another chapter to a remarkable Test career. Root has established himself as one of England’s greatest batters while continuing to contribute significantly in the field.

Most catches by a fielder in Test history:
🥇 Joe Root - 220*
🥈 Steve Smith - 219
🥉 Rahul Dravid - 210
4️⃣ Mahela Jayawardene - 205
5️⃣ Jacques Kallis - 200

Pak : 0-2🫣🔥
Root doing it all for England against Pakistan! 🏏👏 #ENGvPAK #JoeRoot pic.twitter.com/k5PiFgtamf

— Rajat Jain (@RajatJain) September 10, 2026

England Dominate Pakistan At Edgbaston

Root's record came during another dominant day for England. After Pakistan were bowled out for 133 in their first innings, England built a huge advantage with the bat.

England eventually reached 453 all out, giving them a first-innings lead of 320 runs. Dan Lawrence, Harry Brook and Jamie Smith all made valuable contributions, while Ollie Robinson added an aggressive half-century to extend England's advantage.

Pakistan then suffered another early collapse. Robinson dismissed Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique in his opening over, with Root taking the second of those catches. Rain subsequently interrupted play, but Pakistan remained in serious trouble at the close, leaving England firmly in control and closing in on a potential series sweep.

Another Milestone In Root's Remarkable Career

The catching record is the latest addition to Root's growing collection of Test achievements. Earlier in the same match, he also moved past Steve Waugh for Test appearances, reaching 169 matches and moving to third on the all-time list behind Sachin Tendulkar and James Anderson.

At Edgbaston, Root has once again shown that his value to England extends beyond his batting. His 220th Test catch has now placed his name alone at the top of one of cricket's most enduring fielding records.