As for cricket, the main form of an attack is called bat and ball, while the equal emphasis is put on fielding. What can be seen at once is an amazing slip catch or run out which alters the game in a couple of moments. Apart from saving lots of runs for their sides, these players have provided fun for spectators through their skills on the field, as recent cricket news show, today there is more focus on fielding as there is more emphasis on the superior fielding coaches plus superior fielding practices. In this post, we will list five of the best fielders in the history of cricket to learn how today’s best cricketers move on the ground.
1. Jonty Rhodes – The Flying South African
At the point when it comes to fielding, Jonty Rhodes is the name that comes in the mind of the comparatively old generation associated with it. She was among the most prominent figures to take South African hockey forward where she brought dimensions of physical fitness and passion to the game and the art of fielding as well. He was able to leave the batsmen and the spectators spell bound by his capability to slide, dive, and throw over the ground without missing it at all.
The greatest moment that Rhodes came up with was using a flying dive at the stumps to run out Pakistan’s Inzamam-ul-Haq during the 1992 Cricket World Cup. Besides ensuring the triumph of the South African cricket team, this event also put the name of Rhodes into the list of legends of the cricketing world. Any batsmen who would be searching for areas in the field or attempting quick singles would find him rather daunting, for not only did he possess sharp eyesight and reflexes, but was extremely quick on his feet as well.
2. Ricky Ponting – The Australian Fielding Maestro
In addition to being one of the best batters and captains in cricket history, Ricky Ponting was a superb fielder. The legendary Australian batsman was gifted with the ability to predict where the ball would travel, frequently lining himself up ideal for catches or run-outs. He was a fearsome presence in the field whether he was patrolling the covers or positioned in the slips thanks to his strong throwing arm and fast reflexes.
Ponting’s ability to field under duress was especially apparent in these circumstances. When his team most needed it, he had a propensity for making big catches or setting up run-outs. When he ran out Rahul Dravid with a direct hit from outside the 30-yard circle in the 2003 Cricket World Cup final against India, it stands out as one of his most memorable fielding moments.
3. Paul Collingwood – England’s Fielding Genius
Despite the fact that Paul Collingwood wasn’t this flashy cricketer with a great flair of the game, he had exceptional fielding skills. He is equally known to be an Englishman, who possesses a stable hand that transforms to make fantastic catches at critical incidents. Collingwood being on the crease whether he was fielding in the slips, at point was always a morale boost to his side and put the pressure on the batsmen.
Once in the Ashes series of the year 2005, Collingwood gave one of the best fielding displays when he getIntent leap and caught Matthew Hayden. Uh, oh, it became a kind of custom for spectators to watch in surprise as Collingwood leapt high and backwards at backward point while extending his right hand to take the ball in the air. There was spectacular body control and hand-eye coordination, not to mention the courage and passion for the cause exhibited by him in this catch.
4. Herschelle Gibbs – The South African Acrobat
Another field player from South Africa who continued Jonty Rhodes’ legacy was Herschelle Gibbs. Gibbs, who was well-known for his athleticism and agility, was impressive to watch when playing cricket. His lightning-fast reflexes and full-strike diving skills made him one of the most thrilling fielders of his age. Because of his fast reflexes and powerful throwing arm, Gibbs was especially useful in the covers and at backward point.
Gibbs’ most well-known (or infamous) fielding moment occurred in the 1999 Cricket World Cup when he was accused of “dropping the World Cup” after failing to hold a catch off Steve Waugh. But this occurrence shouldn’t take away from his many outstanding saves and receptions throughout his career. Gibbs had a special talent for making tough catches appear simple; he frequently seemed to be able to pick the ball out of thin air.
5. Andrew Symonds
That is why it is possible to state that Andrew Symonds was an excellent cricketer who performed well in all the aspects, however, his fielding was exceptional. This muscular man from Australia was pretty much agile as well as fast; he single-handedly could throw anything akin to throwing a rocket. He served the Australian team in the best way possible because he was a great fielder and could be placed at any position including slips and the outfield.
In April 2008 Symonds gave one of the most brilliant fielding displays ever witnessed in a Test match against India. He did a fantastic job to dismiss VVS Laxman as jumped up to grab the ball with his right hand from the air at backward point. With this catch, Symonds was also able to show that he has fast hand and eye coordination as well as quick reflexes that enabled him to come through for the respective team during pressure-laden parts of the game.
Conclusion:
Andrew Symonds, Ricky Ponting, Paul Collingwood, Herschelle Gibbs and Jonty Rhodes being the five field players have tremendously influenced cricket. Besides, they have rescued many runs and come up with spectacular catches apart from other fantastic exploits of fielding. In a cricket new update, modern players like Ravindra Jadeja, Ben Stokes, and Faf du Plessis are carrying forward this legacy, setting new standards for fielding excellence and athleticism in the sport.