IF CATCHES win matches, then England’s Test series lead over India is truly baffling.

The Brits have made an art form of shelling catches this month, botching a staggering 15 chances across the first three Tests.

And spare a thought for all-rounder Chris Woakes - six of those chances came off his bowling in the last two matches.

Watch England’s dropped catches in the video below!

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He has been the most affected by the shambolic fielding, narrowly ahead of 553 Test wicket man James Anderson. He should have 558.

The greatest beneficiary has been star batsman Virat Kohli, who tops the series’ run chart with two centuries to his name.

The India captain had his doubters after his last Test tour of England in 2014, which saw him deliver just 134 runs from five matches. Those naysayers would probably remain if he wasn’t dropped before making each of his two centuries.

Kohli has been dropped this series four times, the most of any Indian batsman.

Making matters worse for England, Kohli has piled on 142 runs when handed a second life.

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Keaton Jennings dropped Virat Kohli on 93 - the second time the Indian captain was gifted a second chance before making a century. Source: AFP

As for the culprits, everyone who has stepped foot in the England slip cordon this series has dropped at least one catch.

Alastair Cook, Jos Buttler, Keaton Jennings, Ollie Pope and captain Joe Root have all been guilty of cricket’s cardinal sin.

Buttler’s three missed catches places him equal top of the pile, although Dawid Malan dropped as many at a more prolific rate.

His axeing for the second Test at Lord’s should have been no surprise after he dropped three catches in the first Test at Edgbaston.

Kohli has been dropped this series four times, the most of any Indian batsman. Source: AFP

“It must be soul destroying,” England assistant coach Paul Farbrace said after another drop handed Kohli a century on Monday night, according to ESPNcricinfo.

“It comes down to two things: Either it’s concentration not being good enough. Or it’s confidence, because when you start to miss chances it eats away at you.”

England will hope to rectify its fielding woes before the fourth Test in Hampshire, where it will have its second chance to end the series.