Monty Noble covered the 1924-25 Ashes series in Australia. He provided a comprehensive report of dropped catches in the series.
A feature of the Test Matches was the number of dropped catches. No fewer than 45 were missed, 24 by the Australians and 21 by the Englishmen. It is hardly creditable that two international sides should average five "misses" an innings, or nine every match. But more surprising still is the great number of runs that these rejected chances cost the offending teams. Contrary, no doubt, to general expectations, Australia was by far the greatest sufferer - says the Sydney Sunday News. Taking as a guide the number of runs the various batsmen scored after receiving a 'life', we find that missed catches cost Australia 897 runs! England's mistakes in the field cost 576.
In addition to missed catches, there were, of course, a few stumping opportunities lost by Strudwick and Oldfield, and also possible runs-out.
Sutcliffe was dropped nine times, costing 507 runs. He scored 734 in total. In the first innings of the fourth Test he offered an easy chance to Ponsford when on 9, and went on to make 143.
Most of the chief culprits were normally good fielders. Gregory dropped five and Oldfield three. For England Woolley put down four and Hendren three.
