India vs. England: Fielding Blunders Blamed as Former Selector Criticizes Team India's Test Defeat

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 following their five-wicket defeat to England in the first Test. More pinpointed fielding lapses as a critical factor in the loss.

Yashasvi Jaiswal of India (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)

"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, taking a 1-0 lead in the series. Ben Duckett led the charge with a score of 149, supported by Joe Root, who remained unbeaten on 53, and Jamie Smith, who added 44 not out. This victory represents England's second-highest successful chase ever, and their highest against India.

"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 amass 471 runs, with 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 with 465, including contributions from Duckett (62), Ollie Pope (106), and Brook (99), with their last five wickets adding 189 runs.

In their second innings, India seemed 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 only 31 runs, eventually 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 despite his best efforts. Prasidh Krishna's performance proved expensive, and several dropped catches, especially those of Harry Brook, ultimately cost India dearly.

"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.