10 players who have taken most number of catches in international cricket

Fielding is a key aspect of cricket and the quality of a top side depends a lot on their fielding. A good fielding side can completely change the complexion of a game. Plenty of runs can be saved and it often proves to be crucial in a game.

Fielding became an important part of the game after the introduction of limited-overs cricket in 1971. Subsequently, the fielding standard improved marginally after the T20 format was introduced. Today, all the teams are eager to improve the fielding performance because every run counts in the limited overs cricket.

Catches are an indispensable part of fielding and dropping catches can lead to losing a game. There are several players who are exceptional catchers and they have taken many catches in their long careers. As a matter of fact, batting and bowling stats are impressive but catches also help players cement a place in the history books.

Plenty of extraordinary fielders have played the game. Here we discuss 10 players who have the most number of catches in the international Cricket.

Note: Wicketkeepers have been excluded.

#10 Allan Border

Allan Border

The Australian great made his international cricket debut in 1978 and he played 429 international matches in his career. Border helped Australia to win the first World Cup trophy in 1987. He was a top-notch batsman and he was one of the best batsmen of his era. He took a total of 283 catches in his international career.

#9 Brian Lara

3rd Test - New Zealand v West Indies: Day 1

The former West Indies batsman is ninth in the list. Lara is considered one of the greatest batsmen to play the game. The stylish left-hander has the highest individual Test score with an astonishing 400 against England. He played 430 international matches in his career and took 284 catches.

#8 Mark Waugh

Mark Waugh

The former Australian batsman is considered as one of the best slip fielders ever in the history of cricket and is number eight in the list. He also held the record of maximum number catches by a non-wicketkeeper. However, Rahul Dravid surpassed the record in 2009. He took a total of 289 catches in 372 international matches.

#7 Graeme Smith

England v South Africa: 3rd Investec Test - Day Five

The former Proteas skipper is seventh in this list. He is the most successful captain of South Africa and he had an awe-inspiring career. The left-handed batsman is considered as one of the finest opening batsmen of the Test format. He played 347 international matches and took 292 catches.

#6 Ross Taylor

New Zealand v England 1st ODI

Ross Taylor is one of the greatest players in New Zealand Cricket and he has the most number of ODI centuries for New Zealand. He is still an active cricketer and he is an essential part of the New Zealand squad. He has played 373 international matches for New Zealand and he has grabbed 301 catches.

#5 Stephen Fleming

2nd Test - New Zealand v West Indies: Day 4

Fleming is New Zealand's most successful Test skipper as he has 28 victories as a Test captain. He achieved plenty of success as the captain of the New Zealand team. He played international Cricket for 14 years and during this time, took part in 373 international matches and took 301 catches.

#4 Rahul Dravid

England v India: 1st

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Test - Day Three

Rahul Dravid is the only Indian player to feature in this list. The Indian legend was a stupendous batsman but he was also a top-notch slip fielder. Dravid has the most number catches in the Test Cricket.

He took plenty of noteworthy catches in the slip position and he is one the best slip fielders of all time. He played 509 international matches and took 334 catches.

#3 Jacques Kallis

3rd Test: SA v India - Day 4

The former South African all-rounder had a long cricket career and he is third in the list. Kallis is regarded as one of the greats and he obtained numerous records in world cricket. He is the third highest run scorer in Test Cricket. He played 519 international matches for the Proteas and took 338 catches.

#2 Ricky Ponting

South Africa v Australia - 1st One Day International

The Australian great is certainly one of the best batsmen of all time but he was also a brilliant fielder. He achieved a lot of success as a batsman and a captain. He won two consecutive World Cups for Australia. He is also the second highest Test run scorer of all time. Ponting played 560 international matches and took 364 catches.

#1 Mahela Jayawardene

Sri Lanka v England - 7th ODI

The former Sri Lankan batsman is number one in this list and he has the most number of international catches in Cricket. He is certainly one of the best cricketers from Sri Lanka and he played international Cricket for 18 years. Overall, he played 652 international matches and took a total of 440 catches.