South African batting legend AB de Villiers on Friday (June 10) highlighted that catching is not given enough importance when it is often the point of difference between a 250+ score and a 400.

De Villiers’ comments came during the first day’s play in the second Test between England and New Zealand at Trent Bridge, referring to the dropped chances by the hosts.

Taking to Twitter, De Villiers wrote: "Not nearly enough emphasis put on the importance of catching, especially in Test Cricket. Often the difference between 250 all out and 400+. Fielders also don’t get enough credit for standing in the sun for 6-7 hours and then having to take the match changing catch in a split sec.”

"Unforgiving job with lots of pressure and no rewards, no honorary board mentions, just a tap on the back for a good catch and then that awkward silence from your mates and crowd booing when u let it slip," he added.

England dropped as many as three catches on the opening day but it was Daryl Mitchell’s reprieve that cost them massively.

Mitchell was dropped by former England skipper Joe Root when he was on 17 and the Kiwi all-rounder went on to score 64 more runs to end the day on 81 not out.

Root also spilled a tough catch of Mitchell's partner Tom Blundell, who stayed unbeaten on 67 as the visitors finished with 318/4 at stumps on Day 1.