India vs England: Ex-Selector Blasts Fielding Lapses After Test Defeat OR India's Fielding Woes Under Scrutiny After England Test Loss, Says Former Selector OR Missed Catches Cost India: Ex-Selector Slams Fielding After England Test Victory

Former Indian selector Kiran More has called for patience with the Indian Test team following their recent five-wicket loss to England at Headingley. The former wicketkeeper pinpointed fielding as a critical factor in the defeat.

"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 score of 149, supported by Joe Root, who remained unbeaten on 53, and Jamie Smith, who added 44 not out. This victory stands as England's second-highest successful chase ever and their highest against India in Test cricket.

"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, fueled by centuries from Shubman Gill (147), Rishabh Pant (134), and Yashasvi Jaiswal (101). However, a dramatic collapse saw them lose seven wickets for only 41 runs. England responded with 465, with notable contributions from Duckett (62), Ollie Pope (106), and Brook (99); the final five wickets added 189 runs.

In their second innings, India appeared to be in a strong position at 333/4, bolstered by a 195-run partnership between Pant (118) and K.L. Rahul (137). However, another collapse ensued, with the team losing six wickets for just 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. Crucially, several dropped catches, particularly of Harry Brook, proved costly for India, further emphasizing the significance of fielding performance in this match.

"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 ground. The match also became only the third in Test history where all four innings exceeded 350 runs.