A rare failure often leaves the topper devastated and embarrassed. New Zealand’s Daryl Mitchell, who’s an excellent fielder, had a similar expression after dropping the second catch of the day on the first day of the second Test between New Zealand and Sri Lanka at the Galle International Stadium.
The decision to bat first after winning the toss paid dividends for the Sri Lankan side despite the rain looming around the first session. Dinesh Chandimal and Dimuth Karunaratne’s 122-run second-wicket stand was followed by fifties from Angelo Mathews and Kamindu Mendis, helping the hosts to gain the upper hand at the end of the day. However, the hosts had luck by their side with Mitchell’s two drop catches being the highlight of them.
Pacers Tim Southee and Will O’Rourke were summoned in the attack after the second new ball was taken, in search of some lateral movement. The bowlers didn’t disappoint with O’Rourke almost getting his number against Kamindu Mendis on the third ball of the 84th over if not for a dropped catch. The pacer bowled a good length delivery outside the stumps, drawing the southpaw on the front foot to drive at it. However, the ball seamed a tad away to nick the outside edge and travel towards Mitchell at second slip. However, the Kiwi was late to react and the ball thudded his palm and ricocheted behind as he dived to his right. Mitchell, having dropped a catch already in the first session, was devastated after spilling the bean. He hid his face in embarrassment, promoting the Twitterverse into a frenzy.
Daryl Mitchell dropped another straight forward catch, he was late to react.
— Vipul Ghatol 🇮🇳 (@Vipul_Espeaks) September 26, 2024
It came onto him quickly!
Two boundaries in two balls and then Daryl Mitchell drops Kamindu Mendis at first slip makes it 10 in 3 Balls. #SLvNZ
— Abhijeet ♞ (@TheYorkerBall) September 26, 2024
He had a very bad day at office today!
Daryl Mitchell. Is poor in the slips today. Put down few catches. In the morning put down . At the end of the day. Putt down another. Not a good sign. #SLvsNZ
— sreekar 🇮🇳🇦🇺sports agent (@nyalkalkars) September 26, 2024
Sloppy!
Daryl Mitchell. Is poor in the slips today. Put down few catches. In the morning put down . At the end of the day. Putt down another. Not a good sign. #SLvsNZ
— sreekar 🇮🇳🇦🇺sports agent (@nyalkalkars) September 26, 2024
Daryl Mitchell the worst slip I’ve ever seen… #SLvNZ
— Vinnie 🇳🇿 (@VincentYW_) September 26, 2024
What???
Kojja lo pedha kojja Daryl Mitchell 2nd catch drop 🤢🤢🤢
— 𝙸𝚝𝚊𝚌𝚑𝚒 ❟❛❟ (@itachiistan1) September 26, 2024
Was some Test today at Galle!
Will O’Rourke bowling his heart out in these sweltering Sri Lankan conditions! Creating chances but Daryl Mitchell’s butter fingers can’t catch the ball, NZ’s slip fielding is a liability, From world-class to woeful. Gary Stead’s coaching has undone Mike Hesson’s good work #SLvNZ https://t.co/uzAxPlL7jK
— Ykush_Tyagiᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠ (@Ykush_Tyagi) September 26, 2024
Now plays a drive, ball takes an edge and flies past Daryl Mitchell, slip. #SLvNZ https://t.co/VmsfoEZBfL
— Kanishk Agarwal (@kanishkdabaav27) September 26, 2024
