After young player Yashasvi Jaiswal missed four catches in the first Test match at Headingley, Leeds, where India lost to England by five wickets in a match that continued into the last session of Day 5, former Indian cricket icon Sunil Gavaskar voiced his concerns.
The webbing that is permitted on a fielder’s hands and fingers should not extend past the point where the fingers and palm meet, according to Gavaskar, who brought attention to a technical problem with fielding equipment. He proposed that too much webbing could impair flexibility and lead to missed opportunities.
With three catches in the first innings, including a vital one at third slip that could have dismissed Harry Brook, Jaiswal had an especially difficult time on the field. Despite a diving attempt to snag Ben Duckett in the second inning, he gave up another opportunity.
“After that, players shouldn’t be permitted to wear webbing. If not, you might as well put on some gloves. Just as umpires examine the size of the bat when a batter comes out to bat or the gloves of boxers as they enter, I believe that this should be done as well. After the game, Gavaskar remarked, “They ought to say, ‘Hello! I’m sorry, you can’t have it over there.
For the past three to five years, it has been taking place. There are at least one or two fielders with this on every team,” he continued.
Jaiswal’s historic century in the first innings
The left-handed opener scored his first Test century to commemorate his first game played in England. Throughout his innings, he comfortably drove the England bowlers while scoring 101 runs off 157 balls, demonstrating control and discipline. His efforts were crucial in helping India finish Day 1 of the first Test in a dominant position with 359 for 3 in 85 overs.
Before arriving here, we prepared extensively. Playing was a lot of fun, and batting felt great. I learnt a lot and had a great time,” Jaiswal told Star Sports.
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