India’s fielding woes continued in the second One-Day International against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) on Sunday with Ravindra Jadeja, who is otherwise considered a safe pair of hands in the outfield, dropping Marnus Labuschagne at long-off off the bowling of Hardik Pandya.
The dropped catch came on the back of India spilling a few chances in the first ODI on Friday with both Shikhar Dhawan and Pandya dropping catches in the deep.
Australia dropped a few high catches in the series as well. Asked if there is a reason why the teams are struggling to hold on to catches, wicketkeeper-batsman KL Rahul said that it could be because of the crowds.
“Sometimes it happens, catches get dropped. I can’t say the exact problem. But when I have fielded in Australia, when the ball travels with the crowd in the background, it becomes a bit difficult to spot. And we are playing in front of crowds after a long time, so it is I think slightly difficult to pick balls,” said Rahul who scored 76.
He also said that the conditions were a bit windy. :It was windy today so, it happens,” the India vice-captain added. Rahul himself was given a lifeline when Australia captain Aaron Finch failed to accurately judge a potential catching chance.
We were ineffective with the ball: Kohli
Indian captain Virat Kohli admitted that the team was ineffective with the ball on Sunday and outplayed by Australia in the second ODI at the Sydney Cricket Ground which they lost by 51 runs.
A second consecutive 62-ball century from Steve Smith helped Australia reach 389/4 and India were restricted to 338/9.
“They have outplayed us. We were ineffective with the ball, and didn’t hit the areas. They have a strong batting line-up, they know the conditions and the angles well,” said Kohli after the match.
Kohli with 89 runs and KL Rahul with 76 were India’s highest run scorers and both fell to sharp catches.
“The chase felt steep, and one or two wickets would have taken the required rate up so we had to keep hitting. They took the chances that they created in the field, which was the difference,” said Kohli.
All-rounder Hardik Pandya bowled four overs and got the wicket of Smith. “Hardik felt okay to bowl. Initially just thought of trying for a couple of overs but he felt good and bowled a couple more. And he gave away a bit of a bowling plan with his off-cutters (smiles), but credit to them, they used the dimensions well. Even Rahul or Shreyas, if they carried on, it could’ve gotten us across the line with Hardik to come,” said Kohli.
