In 1992, when South African team joined back International cricket. Everyone knew they were a talented cricketing nation and they proved it instantly by reaching the semi-finals of the first ever Cricket World Cup they played but what difference they really made was by their fielding..!!
In fact, they had a player called Jonty Rhodes, who according to his captain Hansie Cronje - was picked into playing eleven only for his fielding. Whatever runs he made was ONLY a bonus!!
Other International teams tried to find such fielders in their teams as well and now - in 2011, nearly every team has got two or three fielders who are nearly as good as that man used to be.
This is an article where we look at some of the best fielders in International cricket today.
Ricky Ponting: He is one of the best batsmen in the history of world cricket. With his batting skill he also serves his team as an excellent fielder. He is very speedy in running and his accuracy is something special in his cricketing career. He is also specialist in catching. Statistics shows that he has more than 100 catches in both Test and ODI cricket.
Michael Clarke: As flexible as rubber, as accurate as a sharp shooter and always awake, Michael Clarke is easily one of top fielders in the world. A left handed pick up with firing return always looks impressive.
AB de Villiers : The most favourable point with South African youngsters is that no matter how good cricketer they are, they all play a game called RUGBY which is meant for diving and sliding on grass. This makes them learn the art of being flexible and that is how nearly all South African cricketers are very good fielders. AB de Villiers admits that he was as good a cricket player as he was in Rugby but he loved cricket more.
Dwayne Bravo : This young man is probably the brightest star in West Indies cricket right now. He can bat, he can bowl and he can field brilliantly.
James Anderson: A fast bowler in the list of great fielders is a surprise, but he is one of the best in business. A right handed quickie can throw & catch the ball with his left hand and he looks classy.
Ross Taylor : A great striker of the cricket ball with impressive fielding skills. Taylor may not be as acrobatic as other are, he may not pose many photos but if you drive a catch to him, start walking before he catches it cause ross ain't gonna miss any.
Mahela Jayawardane: Lankans cricketers have always had the best fielding side among asian teams and Mahela maintains the level these days for islanders.
Yuvraj Singh : India's "backward point" fielder Yuvraj has amazing reflexes and probably is the best fielder in the World right now, but to me, where he lack is fitness. To be a man who will run around the field for 50 overs and then bat for 25-30 overs is not an easy job and this is where Yuvraj misses.... just by a whisker though.
Virat Kohli: A young sensation in team india is proving his worth with bat, ball and fielding. A 23 year old is sharp enough at any position to save valuable runs for his team.
Umar Akmal: Although fielding is not one of the stronger parts of the game for Pakistan but Umar can be be strongly considered for action if a List of top fielding players is made. An electrifying umer is so impressive in the field. He is chirpy, sharp and accurate.
In an interview, Umar said - "I knew I was not a good enough bowler. But I always wanted to be involved in the whole game. and that is why I have been working on my fielding right from the days I picked up my bat".
Did I miss any name ? Please comment and let me know.
