The Current Best Fielders XI In International Cricket

Fielding is a massive part of any format in cricket today. Cricketers who are fine outfielders can lift the morale of the team ten-fold when the chips are down. The diving saves, the breath-taking catches, and affecting run-outs of the unlikeliest of the circumstances could massively tilt the scales in favour of any team. The same could affect the mentality of the opposition, finding their counterparts are on fire.

Over the last few years, the cricketing fraternity has witnessed outstanding pieces of fielding from several cricketers. On quite a few occasions, the matches have turned due to a single fielder making the most of his opportunities. Thus, it is as crucial for the fielders to do their part as much as batsmen and bowlers play their respective roles to significant effect.

Here we take a look at The Current Best Fielders XI In International Cricket:

Martin Guptill:

Martin Guptill is one of the most destructive opening batsmen in limited-overs cricket today. Though Martin Guptill has been a tad inconsistent recently, the selectors have stuck with him and he has repaid their faith on multiple occasions. The 34-year old has a strike rate of 136 in T20Is and 87 in ODIs – a format in which his best of 237 is the second-highest in history.

Apart from his batting exploits, the right-handed batsman is an outstanding fielder, especially in the deep. Though Guptill has only three fingers on his left foot, it has not affected his performance on the field. The Kiwi opener affected a famous run-out in the 2019 World Cup semi-final as his direct hit from square leg found MS Dhoni short of the crease. It played a massive role in shaping New Zealand’s victory.

Shikhar Dhawan:

Indian limited-overs specialist Shikhar Dhawan is amongst the best opening batsmen in the world today. Shikhar Dhawan remains consistently amongst the runs and performs remarkably well in the ICC tournaments. The southpaw also plays risk-free cricket, having a range of strokes in his repertoire, and is a great runner between the wickets.

As one of the fittest cricketers today, the Delhi-born cricketer is a massive asset on the field. Dhawan not only takes those skiers comfortably than most fielders, but also recovers well after putting a dive. Usually, the 34-year old is stationed at mid-off and covers a lot of ground to save crucial runs for his side.

Virat Kohli:

Indian captain Virat Kohli is one of the most impactful cricketers of this era. Virat Kohli is one batsman who consistently scores across formats and is the only current batsman to average over 50 in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is. The right-handed batsman is currently in the top ten rankings for batsmen in all three formats.

While Virat Kohli is arguably amongst the top batsmen of this era, he does fail on rare occasions. However, despite that, the 32-year old proves his usefulness by showing his intensity on the field. Kohli not only displays his commitment by saving runs and taking catches, but he also encourages his teammates to do the same. Hence, he is influential even when out of form with the bat.

Steve Smith:

The undisputed Test batsman of the era, Steve Smith, is amongst the fab four batsmen today. Steve Smith’s current Test batting average of 61.80 stands second only to Don Bradman’s 99.94 and has 27 centuries to his name in 77 Tests. The former Australian captain also has decent numbers in One-day international cricket.

Apart from that, the 32-year old is also an exceptional fielder. The right-handed batsman often fields in the slips, backward point, or in the deep and has produced some of the best saves, catches, and direct hits. In addition, the New South Wales cricketer plucks one-handed screamers more comfortably than most fielders.

Glenn Maxwell:

Glenn Maxwell, Australia’s limited-overs specialist, is best known for his destructive gameplay and the knack of hitting sixes across all parts of the ground. Glenn Maxwell has crafted several memorable knocks in international and franchise cricket. The Victorian also offers handy off-spin bowling, capable of putting the brakes on the opposition’s scoring.

And Maxwell has a lot to offer as a fielder as well. The spin-bowling all-rounder. The 32-year old not only has a strong throwing arm, but also one of the safest hands in international cricket. Maxwell always uses the reverse cup technique to catch the ball, enabling him to hold on to it safely and not suffering too many dropped chances.

Ben Stokes:

England all-rounder Ben Stokes comes next on the list, proving himself as a complete package of a cricketer. Ben Stokes has delivered telling performances across formats and often scripted victories for England single-handedly. The Kiwi-born all-rounder was part of the World Cup-winning team and then played one of the best Ashes innings at the Headingley.

Apart from his game-changing abilities as a bowler and batsman, Stokes could also turn the game on its head with his fielding. The southpaw took one of the best catches in the first game of the 2019 World Cup against South Africa when he prevented a certain six by timing his jump correctly at deep mid-wicket, catching the ball reverse-cupped.

Ravindra Jadeja:

Ravindra Jadeja is undeniably a highly accomplished fielder today and a crucial member of the Indian team. Ravindra Jadeja can field at multiple positions and do the job efficiently and has a strong throwing arm. The left-handed batsman is also flexible, recovering fast after putting a dive and sprints real between the wickets.

Ravindra Jadeja is also best known for his direct hits as he has affected plenty of famous ones in international cricket thus far. The Saurashtra all-rounder puts even the best batsmen under pressure, who realize it was a mistake later to take on Jadeja’s arm. The spin-bowling all-rounder would be next seen in action in India’s upcoming tour of England.

Pat Cummins:

Australia’s Pat Cummins has emerged as a fast-bowling giant in recent times and is a potent weapon, especially in Test cricket. Pat Cummins climbed to the top of the Test bowling rankings in early 2019, toppling Kagiso Rabada and has been immovable ever since. The right-arm seamer is also the highest wicket-taker in the current edition of the ICC World Test Championship.

Simultaneously, the 27-year old is also an asset in the field and highly athletic for a fast bowler. Cummins not only has one of the safest hands in the Australian setup, but also runs well by showing exemplary commitment on the field. As Australia’s vice-captain across formats, the New South Wales speedster leaves no stone unturned on the 22 yards pitch.

James Anderson:

England veteran seamer James Anderson has been setting records as a Test match bowler on a regular basis. James Anderson’s current Test appearances of 161 are most for a fast bowler in the format and equalled with former English skipper Alastair Cook. In 2018, the 38-year old passed Glenn McGrath’s record of 564 Test scalps and reached the 600-mark two years later.

James Anderson is also one of the few bowlers who fields in slips and does it magnificently. The right-arm seamer has taken quite a few low catches well and is often stationed at the slip cordon when a spinner is bowling. While the Lancashire bowler has endured fitness issues of late, Anderson’s love for Test cricket and longevity enables him to give a full commitment on the pitch.

Trent Boult:

New Zealand new-ball seamer Trent Boult is one of the fittest cricketers in the world at present. Trent Boult is a scary prospect for the batsmen not only when the ball is in his hand, but also when the left-arm seamer fields. The 31-year old continues to stun the cricketing fraternity with his fielding exploits across formats.

Trent Boult took one of the stunning catches in the 2019 edition of the IPL, playing for the Delhi Daredevils. Royal Challengers Bangalore’s Virat Kohli flicked a full toss from Harshal Patel to deep square leg. Boult not only prevented a certain boundary, but used his height to good effect by stretching his hand upwards as the ball stuck in his hand. He also fell; however, his body was just inches away from touching the boundary rope, leaving Kohli stunned.

Kagiso Rabada:

Kagiso Rabada is one of the top-notch fast bowlers today, leaving even the best batsmen dazed with his pace and bounce. South Africa’s bowling spearhead across formats is also highly efficient, even on wickets that hardly support fast bowling. The 26-year old has one of the best yorkers today.

Also coming from Kagiso Rabada, is his ability to move rapidly across the field. Due to the right-arm seamer’s height, his full-length dive enables him to save plenty of boundaries. Rabada’s height is further advantageous as it allows him to take a catch off his own bowling if the opportunity arises.

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