Almost a decade ago, Shane Warne dropped Kevin Pietersen in the Fifth Test and with it Australia’s hopes of winning the Ashes.
We couldn’t really blame Warney because he’d also taken a shed load of wickets in the series but unfortunately moments like that swing a session, a match and a series.
It remains to be seen how much effect Brad Haddin’s dropped chance off Joe Root will have in the 2015 version. With England at 3 for 43, Mitchell Starc, having just removed Ian Bell had his confidence up. On Root’s second delivery Starc pitched the ball up and had Root edging to the Australian wicketkeeper who appeared to have it secured, only for the ball to pop out.
Root, with great support from Garry Balance, proceeded to counter-attack in much the same way as a Ricky Ponting or a Steve Waugh used to after getting a lifeline. His 134 hurts Australia, not just because of the match situation. It gives England’s key batsman confidence and form for the rest of the series.
In his post-day press conference Root admitted it was a game changer.
“It could have gone completely the other way, and got out first, second ball or whatever it was and then you’re looking a bit silly,” Root said.
“Fortunately I had that fortune today and I could cash in and make the most of it. Thankfully he [Haddin] didn’t manage to cling onto it.”
Josh Hazlewood, who along with Starc claimed three wickets for the day said it wasn’t so much the dropped catch, but the fact the bowlers didn’t maintain the pressure after the setback.
“I don’t think we’re used to dropping catches at the moment,” he said.
“I think in that situation we’ve got to deal with it better and just keep bowling those balls in the right areas and keep creating those opportunities.”
“I think we got better throughout the day and hopefully that’s a positive we can take out of it.”
The flat and slow nature of the Cardiff pitch came into question with Mitchell Johnson largely ineffective, but as always in Test Match cricket we’ll have to wait and see both teams bowl before we cast judgement.
Before that happens Australia needs to clean up the tail, and Brad Haddin will no doubt already be thinking of making up for his error with the gloves and the bat.
Chris Kettlewell
Roar Guru
What it does show is how fine margins are in cricket. Haddin takes that catch and people are talking about how Root has failed and maybe the Aussies have it over him and everything. But instead he's the hero with a century. And the difference between those two things is what someone else did!
Chris Kettlewell
Roar Guru
Pretty much. He did a big dive that he didn't need to do. He basically dropped it because he was diving past it.
Jameswm
Guest
If you don't do the basics right it will catch up with you sooner or later.
Don Freo
Guest
Nice catch off Garry. Big deviation from Cook's bat. Would Nevill have taken it? He's used to keeping to slow bowlers where there is never any deviation (SOK).
ThugbyFan
Guest
At the end of play, Boycott was asked who were the outstanding players for England. He nominated Root and Haddin, then asked Haddin for more. LoL
Oracle
Guest
Agreed.Boycott's critique was hilarious
Kaks
Roar Guru
Mate give it a rest. Haddin sledges no more than anyone else on a Cricket pitch. People making a mountain out of a mole hill again.
Mitcher
Guest
Great satire Steven.
Andrew
Guest
Hard to say it was all over the place so early in the game when 2 of their most experienced batsman had just got out for effectively nothing. From what I saw, it fell to pieces after the drop catch. The drop caused Australia to lose their confidence and their radar and Root being in the form he is in, get in and took the game away from the Aussies. The catch itself look fairly regulation and the replays showed his footwork was all over the place. Sure we can say it happens but he has to wear the fact it cost 130 odd runs extra Australia have to get back. Very costly and should he fail again this game specifically, most will be after him being replaced.
Steve
Guest
For a guy who has been kept in the side purely for his keeping, abilities so good they are supposed to outweigh his terrible batting form, to put a chance like that down, a simple chance by haddins standards is a disaster, he will have to do something incredible with the bat to make up for it.
Andy
Guest
I think my favourite line of commentary all day on TMS was Boycott saying , ' he'd have caught that if he'd gone with his mouth'.
Perry Bridge
Guest
But that's just it - it didn't need to be a 'screamer'. Had he have shown proper technique he would've completed a regulation take on his feet and we wouldn't have talked more about it.
Rob JM
Guest
The Aussie bats still need to prove they can bat in english conditions, now they really need to show some spine.
James
Guest
its not just that its one catch, its that he isnt being picked for his batting but only for his keeping which means that his keeping should be damn near perfect, including taking pretty simple catches at international level which that catch was. he shouldnt be dropped just because of that catch but if you are picked only on your keeping then it is correct to call out when he stuffs up.
Rob JM
Guest
There is only so long that a "good eye" can compensate for "lead feet" We passed that point with this batting during the india series, now it's showing with his keeping. I'm just not sure if his understudy is good enough with gloves, although he has certainly earned a chance.
Rob JM
Guest
"cough" three tests "cough"
Richard Islip
Roar Rookie
It has been said already. Haddin, even given his vast experience, seems much more concerned with honing his already polished sledging skills....rather than to concentrate on his keeping and batting.
Aaron
Guest
You blokes are rubbish. One dropped catch. Sharpen the knives. He hasn't done anything ever. Shame shame shame.
SM
Guest
Haddin isn't the issue. I think it's become apparent already that the Harris' absence has really evened up this series. Johnson didn't bowl well, but Hazlewood was a bit better. Starc unfortunately was his usual self at this level, bowling the odd cracker among a load of rubbish.
Death by Watson
Guest
The main question is why has Watson yet again been picked when scores no runs and takes no wickets. We have younger options bursting with talent who never get a chance because we pick losers year after year. What is wrong with selectors? Are picking their mates really more important then the fans and being # 1? -- Comment from The Roar's iPhone app.