England's captain Joe Root (AP Photo)

Joe Root scripted a new piece of Test history on Thursday, becoming the most successful fielder in the format after taking his 220th catch during the third Test against Pakistan at Edgbaston.Root surpassed Australia’s Steve Smith, who had held the record with 219 catches, to move to the top of the list for most catches by a non-wicketkeeper in Test cricket. The England batter’s latest milestone came at a crucial moment, with the hosts firmly in control of the match.

Root makes 220th catch look easy

The record-breaking catch came in the opening over of Pakistan’s second innings. Ollie Robinson found the edge of Abdullah Shafique’s bat, with the ball travelling low towards Root at first slip. Root reacted quickly, bending down to complete a sharp catch and send Shafique back for a three-ball duck.Robinson went wide of the crease and angled a good-length delivery into the fifth-stump channel. Shafique attempted to defend while playing inside the line, only to edge the ball towards Root, who made a difficult low catch appear remarkably straightforward.It was also Robinson’s 21st wicket of the series, adding to Pakistan’s growing problems with the bat.

Most catches as a fielder in Tests

England take a massive 320-run lead

Root’s record came shortly after England had completed a commanding first-innings performance, being bowled out for 453 to take a massive 320-run lead over Pakistan.The visitors had been dismissed for just 133 on the opening day and now face one final opportunity to produce a competitive score in the series. Pakistan have failed to cross 200 in any of their first three innings in the Test series, and their second innings could hardly have started worse, with Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique falling in the first over Ollie Robinson giving England an immediate advantage.