Legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has expressed his frustration after India’s shocking five-wicket loss to England in the first Test at Headingley on June 23. Sunil Gavaskar lashed out at the Indian cricket team for their sloppy fielding, lack of urgency, and the missed chance that helped England to take a 1-0 lead in the ongoing five-match Test series at home.
Despite five Indian batters hammering centuries at Headingley—a historic first in 148 years of Test cricket history when this feat was achieved in a single match—Shubman Gill’s Test captaincy debut ended in a nightmare. It was a match India should have won against England.
Sunil Gavaskar lashes out at India’s sloppy fielding in Leeds
The Indian cricket team dominated large parts of the game, piling up massive totals, but their bowling looked toothless and inconsistent, and then the fielders made things worse. India’s fielding was far from good, letting go of several crucial catches, and the bowlers struggled to break partnerships, and England made the most of it and won the first Test.
Your daily dose of cricket!
Additionally, India’s lower order collapsed under pressure, with the last six wickets falling for just 31 runs, leaving England a target of 371 that was also daunting, but Ben Duckett’s 149 off just 170 balls ensured the hosts sealed the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy opener at Headingley.
Not Test class: Sunil Gavaskar on India’s fielding in 1st Test
After the match, Sunil Gavaskar gave credit to England for their dominating win over India in the first Test. He felt it wasn’t just about dropped catches, but the overall fielding effort looked below Test level. However, the former Indian captain remained hopeful that the team has time to learn and bounce back before the next match in Birmingham.
Sunil Gavaskar said on Sony Sports Network, “As far as the fielding was concerned, it’s just not the catch, but the outfielding was pretty ordinary. Not Test class. A very good pitch to bat on, so it’s very tough to criticize the bowlers. Bumrah bowled so well. If he had somebody keeping it a bit tight, that would have been a big help. But this is the first test. Hopefully, lessons have been learned. There are eight days for the next match.”
Read Also: Jasprit Bumrah to be forced to play all 5 Tests? Gautam Gambhir breaks silence, defends Indian bowlers
Train like Cheteshwar Pujara: Sunil Gavaskar’s message to Indian players after Headingley defeat
The legendary batter has suggested that the Indian players should take a short break after the tough loss at Headingley, but then quickly switch gears and start preparing seriously for the second Test against England.
He advised against skipping training sessions and said the team should focus fully on practice, reminding them that playing for India means giving their best effort at all times.
The commentator cited how Cheteshwar Pujara was often seen practicing during optional sessions. He revealed that even members of the coaching staff would ask Pujara why he didn’t take a break, but he was committed to training hard.
Gavaskar signed off by saying, “Next couple of days you can take off, but now seriously get into practice. Leave this optional practice aside. You have come here to play for India. So, you practice in a way so that you will give yourself the best.”
Read Also: Michael Vaughan brutally trolls Wasim Jaffer after England’s win, offers to become India’s fielding coach
Source link
