Mohammad Azharuddin wants Team India to identify specialist slip fielders

Critics were mostly engrossed in discussion over India’s yet another batting failure overseas (but for Virat Kohli’s face-saving 149) but there was another issue in the first Test in Birmingham which the visitors will have to rectify soon and that is their slip catching. Even Ajinkya Rahane, the first non-wicket-keeper fielder to take eight catches in a single Test, spilt England opener Keaton Jennings at third slip on the morning of Day 1, allowing him to make a key contribution to the hosts’ first innings score of 287.

Former India captain Mohammed Azharuddin, who was one of the best slip fielders, opened up on the issue and advised them to improve in the crucial aspect of the game. Speaking at a Karnataka Premier League event on Thursday, he said it was key to identify players to field in the slips and they should be trained for that job.

“Slip is a specialised position. You have to identify the players and they should practise slip catching. Especially the ones playing the longer format should take at least fifty to sixty catches in the position during practice,” said the former cricketer according to the Times of India.

“We have to identify them because they need to proactive and willing to do it. Sometimes, players don’t want to. You need to stand in the right position, concentrate for long periods of time. It’s a difficult ask.”

Happy memories of the slip cordon

Mohammed Azharuddin took 108 catches during his illustrious career and is only bettered by Rahul Dravid (209), VVS Laxman (135), Sachin Tendulkar (115) and Sunil Gavaskar (108) though the others played a minimum of 26 games more than he did.

Explaining the technical part, Azharuddin, 55, said those fielding in the slip positions needs to adjust. He advised standing a bit bent in the slips so that it becomes easier to go for both low and high catches. The 55-year-old also stressed on good reactions and reflexes, especially when fielding against spin bowling.

India have one of the lowest success rates (67%) in slip fielding since January 2015, above only Bangladesh (42%). They will have to improve their slip catching soon else they might be hunting the leather during the ongoing five-match series.

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