5 areas where Australia outdid India in the first Test

#2 Close catching

Peter Handscomb showed smartness and was constantly alert for any opportunity

In second innings, Steven Smith was dropped thrice while Renshaw was put down once by the close fielders. Smith scored a hundred which was the only three figure score of this Test. On the other hand, Australian fielders closing on the Indian batsmen held on to 6 catches.

On a pitch where ball turned from everywhere, fielders had to stay sharp to catch anything that came their way. Indian fielders fell behind on this aspect while the Aussies were spot on. Especially Peter Handscomb showed smartness and was constantly alert for any opportunity.

Slip catching has been India’s headache since last few years. Kohli and co. now must strengthen their fielding as Australian batsmen usually don’t offer many chances.