Slip-catching in cricket requires hand-eye coordination, anticipation and immnese focus, and it’s a facet of the sport India has usually faltered in after Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman set excessive requirements. The current fielders haven’t at all times been capable of choose the pace and course of the ball, leading to pricey and infrequently match-turning errors.
“It’s all about coordination as a result of it’s a specialist place. In England, most wickets fall to catches behind the wicket because the ball strikes loads. So a slip fielder is at all times in play all through the sport,” observes former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif, probably the greatest fielders the nation has produced.
Therefore, the possibilities missed within the cordon could make or break a sport for a staff. India missed one such alternative in Australia’s second innings within the World Take a look at Championship last at The Oval when Alex Carey (batting on 41) edged the primary supply after lunch from Umesh Yadav, and the ball went between first slip Cheteshwar Pujara and Virat Kohli at second, with neither going for it. Each simply stood there, watching the ball fly previous them. One can argue that it was Kohli’s catch as a result of it was going to his proper aspect.
Cheteshwar Pujara at first slip and Virat Kohli at second slip watch an edge from Alex Carey (batting on 41) fly previous them. (SCREENGRAB)
“This stuff have to be sorted out earlier than you’re taking the sphere. You possibly can’t miss these possibilities,” burdened Kaif.
TV cameras additionally confirmed Pujara carrying pads whereas standing within the slips. “That is being lazy. In these moments, the fielder most likely thinks there gained’t be catches coming to slips, and there is perhaps a declaration on the playing cards. However it was a significant stage of the sport when India couldn’t afford lapses.”
“Shin pads make your motion sluggish, and you’ll’t bend correctly. I don’t consider it doesn’t have an effect on you,” Kaif added. “These aren’t errors which have occurred for the primary time. I’ve seen them occur time and again and nobody offers it a lot thought.”
Anticipation is one other important ability for slip fielders. They need to be capable of learn the swing and predict the place the ball is prone to go. This isn’t at all times simple, as batters could be unpredictable. Nonetheless, the perfect slip fielders can learn the batter’s physique language and guess the place the ball might go.
“Changing half-chances can win you matches. Check out the half-chance that Steve Smith had supplied within the first innings when the ball fell in need of Kohli at slip. Australia have been at 190, and if Smith had fallen then, who is aware of what might need occurred.”
“In England and Australia the place there may be bounce on provide, slips stand nearly 25 yards behind the stumps. In Asia, you stand nearer to the batter. So, somebody like Kohli should know the place he wants to face in order that he takes these possibilities. These are methods in which you’ll be able to win video games to your staff.”
Eyes on the ball
Focus can also be important for slip fielders. They need to be capable of deal with the ball for your complete supply. The perfect slip fielders can block out all distractions.
Citing the hassle from Smith in taking Kohli’s catch on the fifth day, Kaif mentioned that it was a textbook catch. Smith took it with each arms, diving to his proper. It confirmed he was trying on the ball all over. It was not all about reflexes however common habits.
“Like batting, slip-fielding can also be about staying in your field and specializing in each ball. The catch that Smith took of Kohli doesn’t come usually in a sport, and it got here on the final day of the sport. However Smith was prepared. He had received his fundamentals proper,” mentioned Kaif.
“It’s a routine you observe each time you go into the cordon. If the routine and fundamentals are good, it doesn’t matter if it’s the first ball of the sport or the final; it’ll assist you to. All the perfect catchers observe this routine,” defined Kaif.
“Lots of people speak in regards to the ball wobbling in England. However it wouldn’t matter a lot if the fielder has all his fundamentals lined, and his method is true. Relaxed ft, eyes on the ball, not grabbing however letting the ball come to you. While you bend the knee, how a lot will you bend? How large are your ft? All these small issues matter; that is most likely the place Australia gained the sport. Successful these small however essential moments is what helped them,” he concluded.