“Catches win matches,” a saying that is complete in itself and clearly states its meaning. Though it may look like catches are caught by chance, it takes immense planning to make the batters play those risky shots. It’s important to keep your eyes on the ball while positioning yourself correctly while taking a catch. Catches also test your reflexes when standing close to the pitch. Over the years, England has given many great fielders to the game of cricket. In this article, we will take a look at the top ten English fielders with the most catches in Test cricket. Let’s dive into it!
1. Alastair Cook
We begin the list with Alastair Cook. Cook caught 175 catches in 300 innings of 161 Test matches between 2006-2018. The left-handed opening batter’s determination and longevity made him one of England’s greatest. He was England’s highest run-scorer and century-maker in Test cricket by the time he played his final Test.
2. Joe Root
On number two, we have Joe Root with 171 catches in 244 innings. Root has appeared in 129 Test matches since 2012. The right-handed top-order batter had rattled up 53 Tests in five years, with an average of more than 50, by the time he was appointed the Test captain.
3. Andrew Strauss
Next up on the list is Joe Root. While playing for the nation during 2004-2012, Andrew caught 121 catches in 189 innings of 100 matches. Andrew was a left-handed opening batter who was severe on the cut shot and efficient off his pads. He has 7037 runs under his name in Test cricket.
4. Ian Botham
On the fourth spot, we have Ian Botham, who has pocketed 120 catches in 179 innings. In his 102 matches during 1977-1992, Ian played the role of an all-rounder with right-handed batting and his right-arm medium-fast bowling. He was dominant and was one of the leading sports personalities during the 1980s.
5. Colin Cowdrey
Colin Cowdrey stands in the fifth position on this list with 120 catches. Colin featured in 214 innings of 114 matches between 1954 and 1975. The right-handed top-order batsman was reported as a 13-year-old schoolboy prodigy. He died on December 4, 200, aged 67, after suffering a stroke earlier in the year.
6. Wally Hammond
Making it to the sixth place on this list is Wally Hammond. Wally bagged 110 catches in 154 innings of 85 Test matches during 1927-1947. The right-handed batter was strongly built, broad-shouldered, and it seemed as if his bat weighed nothing in those purposeful hands.
7. Graham Thorpe
On number seven of the list, we have Graham Thorpe, with 105 catches under his name. While featuring in 179 innings of 100 Test matches during 1993-2005, Graham played for the nation as a middle-order batter. He could play attacking shots against both spin and pace.
8. James Anderson
With 104 catches in his pocket, James Anderson stands in the eighth position on this list. While playing for the nation since 2003, James has appeared in 338 innings of 179 matches. The right-arm medium-fast bowler is one of the most skillful and prolific fast bowlers in England’s history. He is the first English bowler to cross the mark of 500 Test wickets.
9. Graham Gooch
On the ninth spot of this list, we have Graham Gooch. Graham caught 103 catches in 118 innings. In his 211 Test matches during 1975-1995, Graham was one of the most prolific run-scorers. The right-arm top-order batter made his debut against Australia and then announced his retirement in 1997.
10. Ian Bell
Last but not least, the final player to make it to this list of elite bowlers is Ian Bell. Ian bagged 100 catches in 2233 innings of 118 Test matches. The right-handed top-order batter executed the cover drive with perfection. He was a very fine player, and England lost a little grace after his final Test against Pakistan in 2015.
