Some of our best players are worst fielders: Wright

Despite a convincing win in the first Test against Zimbabwe, India coach John Wright severely reprimanded the Indian team for fielding lapses and said a significant improvement in fielding is needed for better performances in the future.

"Unfortunately some of our best players are the worst fielders," Wright told reporters after India's comprehensive innings and 101-run victory against Zimbabwe in the first Test at Nagpur.

"Our ground fielding and catching has to improve with quite a few overseas tours just round the corner," he said.

Wright said wicketkeeper Deep Dasgupta has shown some improvement against new ball bowlers but he has a long way to go while keeping against the spinners.

However, he was very satisfied with the overall performance of the team in this Test.

"I think the boys played to a plan, especially in getting out Zimbabwe's best batsman Andy Flower in both the innings; and the first Test win, by an innings and 101 runs, was a morale-boosting win for the entire team.

"Our batsmen and bowlers stuck to their task and I think all-rounder Sanjay Bangar justified his inclusion ahead of Virender Sehwag with a timely unbeaten 100," the former Kiwi skipper said.

"The two spinners - Kumble and Harbhajan - bowled well in tandem and I think Zaheer Khan had a good comeback match as well. I only hope the boys will keep this good showing and make winning a habit," Wright said.

Mail Cricket Editor