India's Fielding Woes Blamed for First Test Defeat Against England: Former Selector Slams Dropped Catches

Former Selector Criticizes India's Fielding After First Test Loss

Kiran More, a former Indian cricket selector and wicketkeeper, has called for patience with the Indian Test team after their five-wicket defeat against England in the first Test at Headingley. He identified fielding lapses as a critical factor in the loss.

Yashasvi Jaiswal in action during the first Test.

"We played very well for four days," More told IANS. "I think the mistake came on the last day when England played outstanding cricket. Fielding was where we slipped. Those were simple catches — no one drops those — and that made the difference."

England successfully chased down a target of 371 runs on the final day, securing a 1-0 lead in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. Ben Duckett led the charge with 149 runs, supported by Joe Root's unbeaten 53 and Jamie Smith's 44 not out. This victory represents England's second-highest successful chase in Test history and their highest against India.

More elaborated on India's performance, stating, "In the first two days, we were really good, and I felt we could've added another 100–150 runs to our total. If we had scored 450 in the first innings, things might've been different. In the second innings, Rishabh and KL Rahul did well. But again, we collapsed at key moments."

India's first innings total of 471 was fueled by centuries from Shubman Gill (147), Rishabh Pant (134), and Yashasvi Jaiswal (101). However, a sudden collapse saw them lose seven wickets for just 41 runs. England responded strongly with 465, aided by significant contributions from Duckett (62), Ollie Pope (106), and Brook (99), with their last five wickets contributing 189 runs.

In the second innings, India appeared to be in a commanding position at 333/4, thanks to a 195-run partnership between Pant (118) and K.L. Rahul (137). However, the team then suffered another collapse, losing six wickets for 31 runs and ultimately being dismissed for 364, setting England a target of 371.

"We've got a good, balanced team, but this team is still in transition. I think we need to give them time — a year or so — to settle, find the right combination, and grow into a strong unit. We've scored over 750 runs across both innings, so the batting is there. But we can't keep depending on Bumrah. He needs support — especially from the spinners."

Highlights from the first Test match between India and England.

Jasprit Bumrah went wicketless in the second innings despite his best efforts. Prasidh Krishna's performance was expensive, and crucial dropped catches, especially those of Harry Brook, proved costly for India.

"We've seen it before — from Gavaskar, Kapil Dev, Sachin, to Kohli and Rohit. Now it's time for new faces to step up. They need time and support. If we keep playing like this and keep making the same mistakes, we won't improve. But give this group time, and we'll have a good team."

The successful chase at Headingley marked the third time a target over 350 has been achieved at this venue. This match also became only the third in Test history where all four innings exceeded 350 runs.