The Hindu : Sport / Cricket : ‘Top fielding indication of team spirit’

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Wednesday, Oct 24, 2007
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‘Top fielding indication of team spirit’

— File Photo

Jonty Rhodes.

Faisalabad: One of the all-time great fielders, former South African cricketer Jonty Rhodes said on Tuesday that a top fielding side was an indication of good team spirit and unity of players in the changing dynamism of the game in last decade.

Rhodes, now the fielding coach of South Africa, was pleased with the fact that greater importance was given to fielding than it was 10 years ago.

“There is no doubt that fielding has now become an important part in any team’s planning, training and strategies. It has taken on a new dynamism and spirit in recent years,” said Rhodes, who played 52 Tests and 245 one-dayers.

“The dynamics have changed in the sense that now a top fielding side is an indication of good team spirit and unity. A good fielding effort shows players are willing to play for people around them,” he said.

“Nowadays you often see people choosing players who are willing to save runs for the team. The standards of world fielding have risen,” he added.

Crucial element

Rhodes said fielding had been an important element in Australia’s dominance over other teams and helped it become a more united team.

“They are ahead of everyone else. They brought in a baseball coach to help them with their throwing six years ago. Throwing has made a huge difference in international cricket. We also have a baseball coach now to show us how to throw.”

Rhodes said the Australians had laid a lot of emphasis on good throwing techniques which not only prevented runs but even injuries as it did not strain the shoulders and elbows.

India has improved

“It is good to see sub-continental teams also laying lot of emphasis on fielding and hiring specialists for this job. I think India has improved a lot in this area and is not far behind Australia and South Africa,” he said.

He was also optimistic about South African cricket’s future, saying the present team had good spirit and was an ideal combination of youth and experience. “It is a side that is moving forward and wants to challenge Australia in Test cricket.” — PTI

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