Jaiswal's Slip Fielding Woes: Dropped Catches Lead to Role Change for Edgbaston Test

Yashasvi Jaiswal, the young Indian opener, was noticeably absent from the slip cordon during India's training session in Birmingham on Monday. This came after he dropped four crucial catches in the first Test against England in Leeds.

Yashasvi Jaiswal dropped as many as four catches in the first Test ni Leeds (Reuters Photo)

The Indian team is gearing up for the second Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. Fielding coach T Dilip led an intense slip-catching session at Edgbaston, but Jaiswal was not involved in these drills.

Instead, Jaiswal was observed working with assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate, focusing on his reflexes at short leg and leg slip positions. He practiced crouching low and getting into close-in catching positions.

The Indian fielding unit faced criticism after dropping six catches in the first Test. These errors allowed England to minimize India’s first-innings advantage. Jaiswal was particularly under the spotlight after dropping three catches off Jasprit Bumrah's bowling.

Ten Doeschate confirmed the decision to relieve Jaiswal of slip duties in order to protect his confidence.

"We always want depth in the catching department. In England, you’re always going to have four catchers at some stage in the game. Yashasvi has been a very good catcher for us," said Ten Doeschate.

"Maybe just give Yashasvi a break from catching in the gully for a little while. His hands are quite sore. We want to get his confidence back up."

During the first Test, the ball seemed to find Jaiswal frequently. Stationed at gully and occasionally fourth slip, he dropped three catches, each proving costly as England responded with a total of 465 runs, closely trailing India's 471.

In England’s second innings, Jaiswal missed a straightforward chance at deep fine leg, giving Ben Duckett a reprieve when he was on 97. Duckett then capitalized, scoring a match-winning 149 runs.

Potential for Two Spinners in Birmingham?

Ten Doeschate suggested that India might be considering a spin-heavy attack in Birmingham, which would require reliable close-in catchers.

“There’s also an argument for short leg being a very important position, particularly if we are going to play two spinners. And we want to pick more guys in that position.”

Despite head coach Gautam Gambhir's attempt to downplay concerns about India's fielding, the rigorous drills at Edgbaston indicate otherwise. The team even used a black cloth to create a ‘blind spot’, simulating match pressure. T Dilip then fired catches at the slip fielders, testing their reflexes and decision-making skills under pressure.

India and England are scheduled to play the second Test at Edgbaston from Wednesday, July 2, to Sunday, July 6.