South African star Aiden Markram etched his name into cricketing history on Wednesday, November 26, by becoming the first South African cricketer in 136 years to take seven catches in a Test match as an outfielder. The landmark achievement came during the ongoing second Test between India and South Africa at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati. So let’s have a look at Aiden Markram seven catches record.
Markram had an exceptional outing in the field, completing five catches earlier in the match before adding two more during the morning session on Day 5. His tally of seven catches set a new national record and placed him among a prestigious group of world-class fielders.
Breaking a Century-Old South African Record
Before Markram’s feat, the previous South African record for most catches in a Test match was six, held by Bert Vogler, who achieved it against England in Durban back in 1910. Over more than a century, only five Proteas players matched Vogler’s record:
- Bruce Mitchell vs Australia, 1931
- Jacques Kallis vs Sri Lanka, 2012
- Graeme Smith vs Australia, 2012
- David Bedingham vs Pakistan, 2025
Markram, however, stands alone at the top, surpassing all previous benchmarks.
World Record Within Reach
Markram’s performance has also put him within striking distance of the all-time world record for the most catches by an outfielder in a Test match. That record belongs to Indian cricketer Ajinkya Rahane, who took eight catches against Sri Lanka in Galle during the 2015 Test series.
If Markram manages even one more catch, he will equal Rahane’s mark. Two more catches would make him the sole holder of the world record.
Also read: Why Gautam Gambhir Was Rejected by the Cricket Board
Elite Company: Players With Seven or More Catches
Markram now joins a select group of fielders who have taken seven catches in a Test, including:
- Greg Chappell (Australia) – 1974
- Yajurvindra Singh (India) – 1977
- Hashan Tillakaratne (Sri Lanka) – 1992
- Stephen Fleming (New Zealand) – 1997
- Matthew Hayden (Australia) – 2004
- KL Rahul (India) – 2018
His latest performance highlights his exceptional reflexes and reliability in the slips, making him a vital asset in South Africa’s fielding setup.
A Historic Moment for South African Cricket
Aiden Markram’s record-setting display not only underscores his individual brilliance but also marks a historic moment for South African cricket. As the Test continues, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see whether he can surpass Rahane’s world record and further elevate his standing among the greatest fielders in Test history.
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