Former India Selector Slams Fielding Blunders After Test Defeat to England

Former Selector Blasts India's Fielding After First Test Loss Against England

Kiran More, a former Indian cricket selector and wicketkeeper, has called for patience with the Indian Test team following their five-wicket defeat to England in the first Test at Headingley. He emphasized that poor fielding was a critical factor in the loss.

Yashasvi Jaiswal in action during the match.

"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 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 ever and their highest against India.

More reflected 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 saw them post a formidable 471, fueled by centuries from Shubman Gill (147), Rishabh Pant (134), and Yashasvi Jaiswal (101). However, a collapse saw them lose seven wickets for just 41 runs. England responded strongly with 465, with significant contributions from Duckett (62), Ollie Pope (106), and Brook (99). The lower order added valuable runs, with the last five wickets contributing 189.

In the second innings, India looked well-placed at 333/4, thanks to a 195-run partnership between Pant (118) and K.L. Rahul (137). However, another collapse ensued, with the team losing six wickets for 31 runs and ultimately being dismissed for 364, setting England a target of 371.

More believes the team needs time to develop cohesion. "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. Prasidh Krishna's performance was expensive, and crucial dropped catches, especially that of Harry Brook, proved to be detrimental to India's chances.

More concluded, "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 was a historic moment, marking the third time a target over 350 has been achieved at this venue. It was also only the third Test match in history where all four innings exceeded 350 runs, highlighting the high-scoring nature of the contest.