Former India Selector Blasts Fielding Woes After Test Defeat to England: 'Simple Catches Cost Us'

Former Selector Criticizes India's Fielding After First Test Loss to England

Former Indian selector Kiran More has called for patience with the Indian Test team, emphasizing the importance of fielding improvements after their five-wicket defeat against England in the first Test.

More highlighted missed opportunities in the field as a critical factor in the loss. "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 series. Ben Duckett led the charge with a brilliant 149, supported by Joe Root's unbeaten 53 and Jamie Smith's 44 not out. This victory stands as England's second-highest successful chase in Test history and their highest against India.

More also pointed to missed opportunities with the bat. "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 saw centuries from Shubman Gill (147), Rishabh Pant (134), and Yashasvi Jaiswal (101), but they then suffered a collapse, losing seven wickets for just 41 runs. England responded strongly, with Duckett (62), Ollie Pope (106), and Brook (99) contributing to their total of 465.

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, they then lost six wickets for 31 runs, ultimately being dismissed for 364 and 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."

Jasprit Bumrah went wicketless in the second innings, while Prasidh Krishna proved expensive. Dropped catches, particularly of Harry Brook, further compounded India's problems.

"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. Furthermore, this match became only the third in Test history where all four innings exceeded 350 runs, highlighting the high-scoring nature of the contest.