Ruling the field: Five best fielders in international cricket

Over the years since the advent of the T20 show, the fielding standards within the levels of international cricket have exponentially raised to new heights. Gone are the days when players used to prevent themselves from either diving and saving a boundary or getting reluctant from taking a gruelling catch. In fact, the skill in today’s age has gained so much importance that almost every team in international cricket now upholds a specialist or a fielding coach. Maybe that’s the reason why we regularly see some unparalleled levels of fielding being apparent. So to find out who are the real torch bearers of this exuberant class, let’s explore the five best ones.

5. Kieron Pollard

The West Indian giant is fifth on this list. Although when you look at Pollard in the MI’s blue jersey, you might want him to elevate further in this list. Apart from being the 10-feet tall wall guarding the business ends (long-on & long-off), he’s possibly the safest pair of hands available for the Windies. His fibrous fielding is not only restricted towards the outer end of the 30-yard but also gets more alarming when he takes jaw-dropping catches by standing at a point or the mid-off region. All in all, his overall package can become daunting for batters.

4. Glenn Maxwell

Arguably the best standing at the point region, Maxwell is surely one of the best razor-sharp fielders taking guard into a field. His prolonged reflexes have saved a realm of runs towards the point area for Australian bowlers. As an outfielder, he can possibly field at any position and also has a rocket arm that can execute some staggering run-outs. In terms of taking a shy at stumps, Maxwell’s sturdy consistency has been his hallmark thus making him an elusive package available for the vigorous Aussies.

3. Faf du Plessis

Faf du Plessis is one of those versatile fielders who can pretty much be equally effective in all three areas. Firstly he is an excellent slip fielder who can immaculately grab some of the most difficult catches. Secondly, we are all aware of his hounding skills when it comes to catching a ball which certainly looks like a maximum. In addition to that his inner ring fielding during powerplays have refrained South African bowlers from leaking runs. Overall, his galvanizing presence certainly makes him an invaluable proposition, especially at the bigger venues.

2. Ben Stokes

A freak when it comes to plucking some absolute rippers and blinders onto a cricket field, Stokes, since his early days, has been England’s long hailed master. Just like his eventful batting or bowling, there have been instances where his fielding has rewarded England with some crucial match-winning results. His athletic body simply allows him to field anywhere inside a park and that’s the reason why captain Morgan always prefers him fielding at the business end. All in all, he’s currently the best one can have on a cricket turf.

1. Ravindra Jadeja

Although some might argue about his name coming out on top, there are several authentic reasons why he is currently the world’s best. Inside the ring, he’s the most daunting fielder all because of his bullseye ability to take a shy at the stumps. His sprinting body refrains opposition from taking two’s and that’s the reason why he’s seen mainly guarding the mid-wicket area. Along with the above two, he has a missile paced arm involving some of the most treacherous run-outs. All in all, he is a rare commodity that every captain wishes to employ.