In Test cricket, sharp fielding can turn matches around. While bowlers often grab the headlines, some fielders have delivered match-winning performances purely with their catching. This article highlights the top 10 fielders with the most catches in a match in Test cricket, showcasing their exceptional reflexes, anticipation, and game-changing contributions on the field.
List of Top 10 Most catches in a match in Tests
10. Frank Woolley (England)
Frank Woolley, a legendary English cricketer, showcased his exceptional reflexes by taking 6 catches in a match against Australia in 1912. His performance remains one of the most catches in a match by a fielder. Known for his elegance on the field, Woolley’s brilliance played a crucial role in keeping the Aussies under pressure throughout the game.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Catches | 6 |
| Team | England |
| Opposition | Australia |
| Ground | Sydney |
9. Albert Vogler (South Africa)
Albert Vogler, more renowned for his leg-spin, made his mark in the field too by taking 6 catches in a Test against England in 1910. His outstanding performance at Durban not only highlighted his all-round value to the South African side but also placed him among the record-holders for the most catches in a match in Test cricket history.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Catches | 6 |
| Team | South Africa |
| Opposition | England |
| Ground | Durban |
8. Arthur Shrewsbury (England)
In an 1888 Ashes Test at Sydney, Arthur Shrewsbury impressed with 6 catches—a record feat for the era. His outstanding performance still stands out in the list of most catches in a match, especially considering it came without modern fielding gear, highlighting just how sharp his reflexes and fielding instincts were in early Test cricket.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Catches | 6 |
| Team | England |
| Opposition | Australia |
| Ground | Sydney |
7. KL Rahul (India)
In the 2018 Test at Nottingham, KL Rahul’s slip catching was top-class. Taking 7 brilliant grabs against England, he played a key role in India’s bowling success. His effort highlighted one of the most catches in a match, showcasing sharp reflexes, focus, and remarkably safe hands in a high-pressure Test encounter.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Catches | 7 |
| Team | India |
| Opposition | England |
| Ground | Nottingham |
6. Matthew Hayden (Australia)
Hayden’s 2004 Test in Galle against Sri Lanka saw him grab 7 catches, showcasing not just his batting heroics but also his fielding brilliance. This performance ranks among the most catches in a match, as his sharp reflexes helped dismantle the Sri Lankan batting lineup, proving his all-round value to the Australian team.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Catches | 7 |
| Team | Australia |
| Opposition | Sri Lanka |
| Ground | Galle |
5. Stephen Fleming (New Zealand)
Former Kiwi captain Stephen Fleming was always dependable in the slips. His 7 catches against Zimbabwe in Harare in 1997 highlighted his reliability and reading of the game as a fielder, setting a remarkable record for most catches in a match. Fleming’s ability to anticipate the play made him one of the finest fielders of his generation.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Catches | 7 |
| Team | New Zealand |
| Opposition | Zimbabwe |
| Ground | Harare |
4. Hashan Tillakaratne (Sri Lanka)
Tillakaratne’s fielding brilliance shone through in Colombo in 1992. Taking 7 catches against New Zealand, he contributed heavily to the Lankan cause, showcasing sharp awareness and steady hands.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Catches | 7 |
| Team | Sri Lanka |
| Opposition | New Zealand |
| Ground | Colombo (SSC) |
3. Yajurvindra Singh (India)
Yajurvindra Singh’s 1977 effort in Bengaluru against England remains iconic. With 7 catches in the match, he tied the record at the time and gave India a major edge in the field.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Catches | 7 |
| Team | India |
| Opposition | England |
| Ground | Bengaluru |
2. Greg Chappell (Australia)
Greg Chappell’s catching masterclass came during the Ashes in 1974. His 7 catches at the WACA against England were pivotal in Australia’s dominance in that match.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Catches | 7 |
| Team | Australia |
| Opposition | England |
| Ground | W.A.C.A, Perth |
1. Ajinkya Rahane (India)
Ajinkya Rahane set the benchmark for Test fielding with 8 catches in a single match against Sri Lanka in 2015. His fielding effort at Galle is still unmatched in Test history, marking him as one of India’s finest close-in fielders.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Catches | 8 |
| Team | India |
| Opposition | Sri Lanka |
| Ground | Galle |
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