Legendary Sunil Gavaskar slammed India’s poor fielding after the second day’s play against England at Leeds, Headingley on Saturday. The visitors could not take their catches, which kept the game in balance.
After the tourists were bundled out for 471 runs, India’s best fielder – Ravindra Jadeja – dropped a simple catch when Ben Duckett was on 15 off Jasprit Bumrah. Furthermore, Yashasvi Jaiswal also dropped Ollie Pope’s catch at third slip, once again on the bowling of Bumrah.
Jaiswal had also earlier dropped a tough chance of Ben Duckett. While Duckett went on to score 62 runs, Pope scored a magnificent century, scoring a fine knock of 106 runs. Thus, it could have a different story if India had taken their catches.
Moreover, Bumrah was able to dismiss Harry Brook for a duck but made the mistake of overstepping.
Speaking on commentary for Sony Sports, Gavaskar said, “I don’t think there will be any medal given. T Dilip gives those after a match. This is what was really very, very disappointing. Yashasvi Jaiswal is a very good fielder but he hasn’t been able to hold on to anything this time.”
On the other hand, India’s batting coach Sitanshu Kotak reckons the bowlers bowled well, barring a few loose patches.
“Those dropped catches and the no-ball were definitely disappointing. Usually, we’re sharper in the field. But as a support staff and team, we take it as one of those unfortunate days — not the norm. Overall, we bowled well barring a few loose patches. There was something in the wicket, and we tried to make the most of it.”
Indian bowlers would look to support Jasprit Bumrah on the third day’s play as he was the lone warrior on the second day. England currently trail by 216 runs with six wickets in hand.
