Test cricket is all about getting the batters’ wicket and stopping them from scoring runs. Could you imagine how tough that would be if the concept of catch-outs did not exist? This thought would have made you think about a game that is not even close to cricket. Hence, we should take a moment and appreciate the fielders. The cricketing island nation is does not lack in producing such great fielders. In this article, we will educate ourselves about the top fielders from Sri Lanka that have taken the greatest number of catches for the team in the International Test cricket. So, let us dive into it.

1. Mahela Jayawardene

We begin this list with Mahela Jayawardene. Mahela has caught 205 catches in 270 innings of 149 Test matches between 1997 and 2014. The calm right-handed batter had a huge appetite for runs. He was also an authoritative captain and had close to 12000 Test runs.

2. Hashan Tillakaratne

On number two, we have Hashan Tillakaratne with 89 catches in 123 innings. Hashan appeared in 83 Test matches during 1989-2004. The left-handed wicketkeeper-batsman could spend a lot of time at the crease. He was named the Test team captain in 2003. However, he had a poor run leading the side.

3. Kusal Mendis

Next up on the list is Kusal Mendis. While playing for the nation since 2015, Kusal caught 78 catches in 105 innings of 58 matches. The right-handed wicketkeeper batter had an aggressive impulse and quickly became one of the most promising young batters in the country.

4. Sanath Jayasuriya

On the fourth spot, we have Sanath Jayasuriya, who pocketed 78 catches in 196 innings. In his 110 matches during 1991-2007, Sanath had established himself as a lefty all-rounder in the team. He began his career as a bowler who could bat a bit. However, his shots burned way through all bowling attacks.

5. Tillakaratne Dilshan

Tillakaratne Dilshan stands in the fifth position on this list with 77 catches. Dilshan featured in 153 innings of 87 matches between 1999 and 2013. The right-handed all-rounder had strong wrists and natural timing. He did not believe in the defense and went for all kinds of attacking shots. Dilshan was also a fine wicketkeeper.

6. Angelo Matthews

Making it to the sixth place on this list is Angelo Matthews. Matthews has bagged 72 catches in 189 innings of 104 matches since 2009. The right-handed all-rounder possessed a robust batting technique, consistency with the ball, and athleticism in the field. However, his career was scarred by persistent injuries and several standoffs with the Sri Lankan cricket board.

7. Muthiah Muralidaran

On number seven of the list, we have Muthiah Muralidaran with 70 catches under his name. While featuring in 231 innings of 132 matches during 1992-2010, Muralidaran served the team as a right-arm off-break bowler. He could turn the ball sharply on any surface and bowl marathon spells.

8. Dhananjaya de Silva

With 63 catches in his pocket, Dhananjaya de Silva stands in the eighth position on this list. While playing for the nation since 2016, de Silva appeared in 88 innings of 49 matches. The right-handed all-rounder played as an opening batter for the team. He made his Test debut against England.

9. Marvan Atapattu

On the ninth spot of this list, we have Marvan Atapattu. Atapattu caught 58 catches in 159 innings. In his 90 Test matches during 1990-2007, Marvan showed immense strength of character and played as a right-handed batter. He hit six double-centuries in his Test career.

10. Roshan Mahanama

Last but not least, the final player to make it to this list of elite fielders is Roshan Maharana. Roshan bagged 56 catches in 81 innings of 52 Test matches between 1986 and 1998. The right-handed opening batter will be remembered for his record 2nd-wicket partnership of 576 with Sanath Jayasuriya in a Test match against India.