Former India spinner R. Ashwin has explained why slip catching is so tough with the Dukes ball in England and has urged the Indian pacers to create rough patches for left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja .
“The second point I want to talk about is the catching — Yashasvi Jaiswal at the slip cordon,” Ashwin said in a video he posted on X.
“There has been some talk about his catching at slip. Yes, he found it tough. But let’s all understand something — and cut some slack, which we very often fail to do — how difficult it is to catch, not only in English conditions with cold weather, but also because of the feel of the Dukes ball. It can take some time to adapt. The SG ball feels nice and comfortable in the hand.
“Kookaburra feels smaller. The Dukes is harder and, from a feel perspective, definitely feels bigger. And it's not easy.
“He's been one of the most improved slip fielders that India has had. He’s taken some fantastic catches in the recent past, especially in Test cricket . So, we should give him some time.”
With England needing 350 runs to win on the final day, the legendary Indian spinner said his former spin-bowling partner can become a threat to the English batters — but he’ll need some help from the pacers.
“And finally, Ravindra Jadeja — can the Indian quick bowlers get some rough going for him? He'll be aiming for that rough patch,” he said.
“A lot of foreign seamers and teams from the western part of the world use long nails in their boots to create extended footmarks so that the spinners can come into play. The Indian team hasn't quite been able to do that.
“Can we do something? Because if the spinner is in play, we've got a huge chance. Awaiting a cracking day. Let's wait and watch.”
“The second point I want to talk about is the catching — Yashasvi Jaiswal at the slip cordon,” Ashwin said in a video he posted on X.
“There has been some talk about his catching at slip. Yes, he found it tough. But let’s all understand something — and cut some slack, which we very often fail to do — how difficult it is to catch, not only in English conditions with cold weather, but also because of the feel of the Dukes ball. It can take some time to adapt. The SG ball feels nice and comfortable in the hand.
A cracking day of Test cricket at Leeds and we’re set for a grandstand finish with all 3 results still possible. Here are my key talking points from Day 4:
— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) June 24, 2025
1. Rishabh Pant’s daredevilry
2. Yashasvi Jaiswal in the slips
3. Some rough for Jadeja to work with?
Here’s Close of… pic.twitter.com/haiy7Ihfjp
“Kookaburra feels smaller. The Dukes is harder and, from a feel perspective, definitely feels bigger. And it's not easy.
“He's been one of the most improved slip fielders that India has had. He’s taken some fantastic catches in the recent past, especially in Test cricket . So, we should give him some time.”
With England needing 350 runs to win on the final day, the legendary Indian spinner said his former spin-bowling partner can become a threat to the English batters — but he’ll need some help from the pacers.
“And finally, Ravindra Jadeja — can the Indian quick bowlers get some rough going for him? He'll be aiming for that rough patch,” he said.
“A lot of foreign seamers and teams from the western part of the world use long nails in their boots to create extended footmarks so that the spinners can come into play. The Indian team hasn't quite been able to do that.
“Can we do something? Because if the spinner is in play, we've got a huge chance. Awaiting a cracking day. Let's wait and watch.”
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