India's catching has not been up to the mark

"our catching, especially close-in catching of pacers behind the stumps has not been up to scratch this series. We have set right standards for the last two years and this particular series, things haven’t gone our way," India's fielding coach, R. Sridhar said after the end of the first day's play in the fifth Test.

Virat Kohli takes a low catch to dismiss his opposite number Alaistar Cook. Indian grassed a few chances on the first day to give England the advantage.

On a day when India’s fielders missed a couple of sharp chances – K. L. Rahul dropping Moeen Ali and Parthiv Patel missing a stumping as Jonny Bairstow waded out – the host’s fielding coach R. Sridhar admitted that the catching has not been up to the mark.

Excerpts:

Fielding gaffes: I would agree that our catching, especially close-in catching of pacers behind the stumps has not been up to scratch this series. We have set right standards for the last two years and this particular series, things haven’t gone our way.

Rahul’s drop: It burst through his fingers over the head. Maybe his timing of the jump could have been better. But these things happen in cricket. Getting Moeen out early could have helped us because (during) the first hour there was little moisture on the wicket, later the wicket eased out.

Root and Moeen: Root was fabulous. He came out with intent to attack the spinners. Once the wicket eased out, his sweep shots came out of the cover, he used his feet to milk the spinners. Moeen was the perfect foil for him. He took his time to settle, played with soft hands and when the pitch eased out, he hit a few good shots.

Jadeja’s bowling: Ravindra Jadeja was accurate. He bowled tidy lines. That is why he was rewarded with (three wickets).

The DRS dilemma: A bowler always feels he has got the batsman. There are people like Virat (Kohli) and Ajinkya (Rahane), Parthiv or Wriddhiman (Saha) behind the stumps, who give the correct judgement. Kohli takes the call depending upon feedback given by the key members.

Cheteshwar Pujara’s fielding: He has his limitations as an athlete but one thing you got to give it to him is his effort in practice sessions. Pujara has definitely improved. Today he saved three runs. Now with Karun (Nair) and Rahul in the team, he is a bit relieved from the close-in position.