Well, if you’re a fan of test cricket, you would probably agree with the iconic “catches win matches” philosophy. Often hailed as one of the most prestigious and popular formats of international cricket, test cricket is religiously followed by millions of cricket aficionados from all over the world. The star-studded history of test cricket, which spans over decades, has witnessed numerous legendary cricketers who have left the fans stunned and took the most unbelievable catches, dismissing the batsmen on strike and ultimately playing a crucial role in leading their teams to phenomenal victories.
Since even a single missed or taken catch can alter the course of an entire test match, cricketers in the modern era are given intense training to improve their on-field stamina and endurance. Have you ever wondered about the cricketers who have changed the tables and taken the highest number of catches in the test format? Well, let’s find out.
In this article we will take a look at the top four cricketers who have taken the highest number of catches in the test format as of September 2025.
Top 4 Cricketers With Most Catches in Test Cricket
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Joe Root, England – 211 Catches
The legendary English international cricketer Joe Root, who is widely regarded as one of the most reliable opening batsmen of the England national cricket team, is at the first spot in our list of the top four cricketers who hold the record for most catches in the test format as of September 2025. Joe Root made his star-studded test debut for England in 2012 and has played a record total of 158 matches ever since, scoring a record total of 13,543 runs at an average of 51.3.
In addition to being one of the top-scorers for England, Joe Root has also been unstoppable when it comes to saving runs and taking game-changing catches on the field. Throughout his glorious test career so far, Joe Root has taken a total of 211 catches, which continues to be the highest aggregate as of September 2025.
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Rahul Dravid, India – 210 Catches
At the second spot in our list of the top four cricketers who have taken the highest number of catches in the test format as of September 2025, we have the legendary Indian former international cricketer, captain and coach of the Indian national cricket team. Widely regarded as one of the greatest international cricketers of all-time, Rahul Dravid represented India in the test format from 1996 to 2012 and played a total of 164 matches scoring a record total of 13,288 runs at a blistering average of 52.3.
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Also, throughout his star-studded test career, Rahul Dravid also proved to be an exceptional fielder and took a phenomenal total of 210 catches, which continues to be the second-highest number of catches ever taken by an international cricketer in the test format as of September 2025.
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Mahela Jayawardene, Sri Lanka – 205 Catches
Next, at the third spot in our list of the top four cricketers who hold the record for most catches in the test format as of September 2025, we have the Sri Lankan former international cricketer Mahela Jayawardene, who is widely regarded as one of the most successful international cricketers of all-time. Mahela Jayawardene represented Sri Lanka in the test format from 1997 to 2014 and played a total of 149 matches, scoring a record total of 11,814 runs and picking up six wickets.
Interestingly, the legendary Sri Lankan cricketer, Mahela Jayawardene, also proved to be unbeaten while adorning the crucial role of a fielder and took the third-highest total of 205 catches throughout his star-studded test career.
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Jacques Kallis, South Africa – 200 Catches
Finally, at the fourth spot in our list of the top four cricketers who have taken the highest number of catches in the test format as of September 2025, we have the iconic South African coach and former international cricketer Jacques Kallis, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest all-rounders of all time. Jacques Kallis played a total of 166 test matches throughout his career and scored a record total of 13,289 runs and picked up a total of 292 wickets, speaking volumes about his dominance in the game with both bat and ball.
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Additionally, Jacques Kallis also left no stone unturned in proving his fielding calibre throughout his cricketing career and managed to take a total of 200 catches, which continues to be the fourth-highest total of catches ever taken by a cricketer in the test format as of September 2025.
