Mohammad Azharuddin. (TOI Photo)

BENGALURU: That India showed ample verve with their bowling on the opening day of the first Test against England - currently under way at Edgbaston - is hardly up for debate. But dropped catches in the slip cordon has become a talking point. Virat Kohli 's men dropped two catches on Wednesday.

Ajinkya Rahane dropping Keaton Jennings at fourth slip and Dinesh Karthik putting down Sam Curran with an acrobatic effort when the ball was shot into the hands of Shikhar Dhawan at first slip. The art of slip fielding it would seem is no longer what it used to be, at least according to former India captain Mohammad Azharuddin .

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Speaking during a Karnataka Premier League event in Bengaluru on Thursday, Azharuddin, known as much for his skills on field as his wristy batting, stressed that greater emphasis has to be given towards grooming players to field at slips.

"Slip is a specialised position. You have to identify the players and they should practise slip catching. Especially the ones playing the longer format should take at least 50-60 catches in the position during practice," he pointed out. "We have to identify them because they need to be proactive and willing to do it. Sometimes, players don't want to. You need to stand in the right position, concentrate for long periods of time. It's a difficult task."

"Fielders at slip positions need to adjust. Sometimes you stand too high then the ball falls near your feet you can't get down. You need to stand a bit crouched so that you can go down and if the ball is high you can jump as well. Reactions and reflexes have to be good especially when you are fielding against spin."

The elegant batsman, who has ventured into politics in his second innings, also spoke about the importance of being able to adapt to conditions and formats. With limited overs cricket having pitches tailor-made for the batsmen to flex their muscles, the trouble in the longer format, according to the 55-year-old, is lack of practice on sporting wickets.

"Most of the teams these days struggle when the ball is moving, because we're used to playing in good batting wickets in the shorter formats. England also struggled on Wednesday. When the ball moves, we struggle because we don't play on those wickets consistently. We need to play there and only then will improve," he remarked. "When you play at a professional level, you have to adapt. You are expected to do that," he added.

AZHAR BACKS KOHLI ON RAHUL

Azharuddin also backed captain Virat Kohli's decision to play KL Rahul ahead of Cheteshwar Pujara in the first Test.

"I think the team went by current form. Pujara went early to England and has not been among the runs (in county cricket), that can happen. Pujara has struggled playing abroad and Rahul has done very well in patches. Once Rahul shows that consistency, he will play for a long time. He has a golden opportunity to cement his spot in the team," Azhar opined.

