Australian coach Darren Lehmann believes fixing his side’s “shoddy” fielding in the clutch moments of the third Test is a matter of confidence.
The hosts wrapped up a series win in the third Test, but they had to settle for a draw at the MCG where India closed at 6-174 after being asked to chase 384 runs in two sessions.
Debate continues to swirl about the timing of Steve Smith’s declaration on day five, but Lehmann was more worried about the side’s fielding in the Test.
Two catches went down on day five, when the hosts also mucked up two chances to run Virat Kohli out.
The far more costly reprieves came on day three.
Nathan Lyon dropped a dolly spooned back to him by Ajinkya Rahane on 70, while first slip Shane Watson was unable to grasp a chance offered by Kohli on 88.
Rahane and Kohli went on to share a 262-run partnership, both posting the highest score of their respective Test careers – 147 and 169.
“Catches win matches,” Lehmann said, when asked if his side’s fielding had cost them victory in Melbourne.
“(The fielding was) shoddy at best.
“We’ve done a lot of work and I can’t complain about the work ethic from the lads, but the big one’s that cost us were the first innings.
“They cost us dearly.”
Lehmann suggested it wasn’t something that could be fixed with more training.
“It’s not volume or practice, they’re very good at that. It’s probably more confidence to be honest,” he said.
“We made a conscious effort in the UAE and then after that series, that we had to work harder on it and they’ve been excellent with it.”
American Mike Young, who came from a baseball background, was recently replaced as fielding coach by Greg Blewett.
“He’s done a really good job,” Lehmann said of Blewett.
Lehmann said Smith made the right call to declare at lunch on Tuesday, noting two rain delays in the morning session and India’s defensive field placements also contributed to the draw.
“We probably needed another 20-30 overs,” Lehmann said.
“We couldn’t afford to have a ball that wasn’t dry and allowed to reverse-swing, so it kept coming at the wrong time with the rain.”
Lehmann added Smith had been an “excellent” captain in his first two Tests in charge.
“It’s a tough job taking over from someone like Michael Clarke, who’s been exceptional,” he said.
