'Not Test class' - Sunil Gavaskar slams India's 'very ordinary' fielding after Headingley defeat

India showed promising signs in Shubman Gill's first assignment as Test captain. However, England held their nerves and produced a brilliant fourth innings batting display to win the first Test by five wickets in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy at Headingley, Leeds, on Tuesday, June 24. India became the first team to lose a Test match despite scoring five centuries.

The legendary Sunil Gavaskar lauded England, highlighting the confidence they had in their abilities despite India scoring five centuries. Gavaskar also pointed out where India erred. Apart from the lower order failing to contribute with the bat, the former India captain felt that the catching as well as the out-fielding was "pretty ordinary" and "not Test class".

"Full credit to England. Despite India having five centurions, they seemed to have that confidence. That is what made them take the final wickets. So that is where India also missed out because those extra runs could have made the difference. As far as the fielding was concerned, it's just not the catch but the out-fielding was pretty ordinary. Not Test class," he said on Sony Sports. 

Gavaskar defended the bowlers as the pitch was excellent for batting. He praised Jasprit Bumrah's efforts in the Test match and rued the fact that no other bowler could build pressure from the other end by bowling economically.

"Very good pitch to bat on so very tough to criticise the bowlers. Bumrah bowled so well. If he had somebody, keeping it bit tight, that would have been big help. But this is the first Test. Hopefully, lessons have been learned. There are eight days for the next match," Gavaskar noted.

Next couple of days you can take off, but now seriously get into practice: Gavaskar

Gavaskar urged the Indian team to start serious practice ahead of the second Test in Birmingham, which begins on Wednesday, July 2. He advised Shubman and Co. to do away with the optional practice sessions.

"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," he said.

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"I mean Cheteshwar Pujara has been part of the optional team. I know when he has opted to bat there have been people who have said, 'What are your doing?' including the coaching staff. I have been some of the coaching staff, not this one, Cheteshwar was not part of this team, they have said, 'Can't you have a break or something?'" Gavaskar concluded.