Joe Root defended his team's handling of dropped catches during the second day of the Ashes Test in Brisbane, despite missing five chances. The England captain insisted that his side worked as hard as they could to be prepared for the match, citing their extensive training sessions under lights and daylight conditions.
However, former England captain Michael Vaughan was more critical, saying that no amount of fielding drills can replicate match practice. He pointed out that the tourists looked jaded and that concentration is key to taking catches. Vaughan also highlighted that England's catching record in day-night Tests has been poor in recent years.
The five dropped chances all came under the lights in the evening session, with four of them occurring within 14 overs of each other. The most costly missed catch was Travis Head off Jofra Archer, which gave Australia momentum and sparked a chaotic period. Alex Carey remained not out after being gloved by Ben Duckett, who also dropped Josh Inglis earlier in the day.
The performance has raised concerns about England's ability to handle the unique conditions of pink-ball Tests, which are less common than day-night matches. According to data analysts Cricviz, England's catching efficiency in evening sessions is 58%, which is lower than that of other teams in similar situations. This has led some to question whether England's catching record will improve with more experience in these conditions.
As the match continues, Root and his team will need to regroup and find ways to improve their catching to prevent further setbacks. With Australia leading by 44 runs on day two, it remains an uphill task for England to stay in the match.
However, former England captain Michael Vaughan was more critical, saying that no amount of fielding drills can replicate match practice. He pointed out that the tourists looked jaded and that concentration is key to taking catches. Vaughan also highlighted that England's catching record in day-night Tests has been poor in recent years.
The five dropped chances all came under the lights in the evening session, with four of them occurring within 14 overs of each other. The most costly missed catch was Travis Head off Jofra Archer, which gave Australia momentum and sparked a chaotic period. Alex Carey remained not out after being gloved by Ben Duckett, who also dropped Josh Inglis earlier in the day.
The performance has raised concerns about England's ability to handle the unique conditions of pink-ball Tests, which are less common than day-night matches. According to data analysts Cricviz, England's catching efficiency in evening sessions is 58%, which is lower than that of other teams in similar situations. This has led some to question whether England's catching record will improve with more experience in these conditions.
As the match continues, Root and his team will need to regroup and find ways to improve their catching to prevent further setbacks. With Australia leading by 44 runs on day two, it remains an uphill task for England to stay in the match.
they're getting smashed in brisbane! i mean, joe root says they've been training under lights but that doesn't mean anything when it comes to actual game situations. michael vaughan makes a solid point about catching being all about concentration... those 5 dropped catches were straight giveaways 
and australia is raking in the runs now. can england turn things around? gotta be more than just luck 
or maybe they just need more practice under lights? 
it's all so confusing!
they're supposed to be the team that masters fielding drills under lights and all but nope, they dropped 5 chances in a row and now it looks like they need to go back to basics 
. i mean michael vaughan makes some valid points tho, match practice is not just about doing drills under lights, you gotta have focus and concentration when the game's on the line 
. also, 58% catching efficiency in evening sessions is pretty meh 
they're supposed to be one of the best teams but dropped like 5 catches under the lights already 
Root needs to come up with a plan B (or C, or D...) because right now england's gotta step up their catching game if they wanna stay in this match 
I'm not saying they're not trying hard enough, but you can't replicate practice under lights and still be jaded, you feel? 
It's all about concentration and focus. And with their catching record in day-night Tests being pretty poor lately... 58% is just a no-go 
. Root's gonna have to rally his team ASAP or it's gonna be tough to get back into this match 
.
ben duckett and jofra archer are a combo that needs work 
