Aussie fielding 'worst in 30 years'

The Steve Smith era has started with impressive knocks and super spells, but Australia's drop in fielding has already proven costly.

Many chances have been put down against New Zealand, with coach Darren Lehmann describing his side's fielding in the first Test as "average at best".

It was arguably worse at the WACA, where Ross Taylor was given a couple of run-out reprieves and dropped during a record-breaking knock of 290.

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Ian Chappell, a reliable set of hands at first slip in his 75-Test career and a sharp set of eyes in the commentary box since, can't recall it being this bad in 30 years.

"It's a major concern. This is the worst Australian fielding side since the mid-80s when it was a big problem and the selectors decided to address it," Chappell told AAP.

"They had the players to rectify it back then. I'm not sure there are the young catchers around to rectify it now.

"It's not just dropped catches. The really good blokes make some catches – most of the current team won't.

"Apart from David Warner and 'Smithy', they're very ordinary in catching."

Former Australia skipper Chappell added it wasn't just catching that was sub-par.

"Ground fielding and throwing wise, they're probably even worse than the mid-80s side," he said.

"There's some horrible arms amongst them, and they've got one less good arm now.

"Mitch Johnson was a tremendous outfielder, so that's not going to help."

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Nathan Lyon, who dropped a catch at both the Gabba and WACA, admitted the issue had the potential to cost his side a Test.

"That's one area that we've been working hard on," Lyon said.

"I've been the one letting down the team there.

"No one likes dropping catches. It's probably the worst feeling in cricket.

"We just need to keep doing the basics."

Image Id: ~/media/AFB2DB5D95BF4689A30F069638E8F2F4

Nathan Lyon says Australia need to lift their game in the field // Getty

The new-look top order has fired, yet the absence of Michael Clarke and Shane Watson has been noticeable in a reshuffled slips cordon.

David Warner has moved out of gully, where Mitch Marsh grassed a sharp chance during Taylor's knock in Perth.

Lyon fumbled an edge when Warner was off the field during the second Test.

"I can't see myself getting back into third slip," the off-spinner said.

"Especially with Mitchell Starc bowling rockets."

Several players have found the pink ball hard to pick up at times in the field, so the problem may be exacerbated in next week's inaugural day-night Test at Adelaide Oval.

Chappell noted slips catching was an art that needed to be learned at a young age.

"The Test players spend a hell of a lot more time on fielding than I ever did," he said.

"But you're not going to get a hell of a lot better at that age and level.

"If you have to think about doing something in the slips, that's an issue. You need to do it all instinctively."

Chappell cited footwork as one example.

"I see blokes not doing those little things that make you a good or very good slip fielder," he said.