Ravi Shastri criticised the team’s poor fielding in the first Test, saying India’s dropped catches helped England reduce the lead to just six runs.
India’s fielding performance came under sharp review during the first Test against England at Headingley. Former cricketer Ravi Shastri pointing out the missed opportunities that allowed England to almost level the score.
India dropped six catches across Days 2 and 3, with Yashasvi Jaiswal putting down multiple chances. Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, and Harry Brook all benefited from these errors, helping England post 465 in their first innings. The total reduced India’s lead to just six runs despite very strong batting on Day 1.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Shastri noted that England will now be confident on a pitch still offering plenty for batters. He then pointed out the importance of India setting a fourth-innings target of over 300 to stay in control of the match.
“I think India will be disappointed, too. England have pulled things back and this game is now on an even keel. This pitch is still good so England will fancy their chances of chasing and India know they have got to bat the day tomorrow,” Ravi Shastri said.
“They have got to get past 300 and put England under pressure. Had they held their catches, they should have had a lead of 150-plus. There is a lot of time left in this Test match and the game is even,” he added.
Nasser Hussain: Dropped Catches Cost India
Former captain Nasser Hussain also pointed out that India’s dropped catches allowed England to post a higher total than expected. However, he praised the team’s late-session recovery.
“I think India will be a little disappointed. They had a collapse of 7-41 in their innings and the England score should then have been a lot less,” Hussain said.
“That last little session tonight was vital for them in that they didn’t let England back into the game even more,” he added.
READ ALSO | Dropped for Fitness, Prithvi Shaw Seeks NOC; Looks to Restart Career with Another State
At the time of writing, India are 153 for 3 in their second innings, with a lead of 159 runs. KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant are at the crease, and the team will look to push the lead past 300.
Dafabet
- Maximum Cricket Cashback 10%
- India Super League Cashback
- Common wallet 100% deposit bonus up to ₹8,000 !
Last Updated on June 23, 2025
Senior Sports Copywriter
