Cricket is traditionally supposed to be a riveting contest between bat and ball. But having watched several one-dayers in recent times, it seems the ground rules are undergoing a fundamental change.
As cricket progresses, the balance is rapidly shifting away from the bowlers in one day cricket. As it is, they have little chance with no bouncers, only 10 overs and no width. With such restrictions, what can the bowler do? Bowl a slower ball to deceive the batsman? But thats an old trick. A yorker? But every batsman, including Ankola, is prepared for it. An off-break with the new ball to unsettle the rhythm? Worth a try, but this is no more lethal.
Cricket was always a batsmans game, even more so in one-dayers. Batsmen are the stars here. Catchers are banned from catching positions and fielders are prohibited from guarding boundaries for long periods. After all, thats the best way to attract crowds and fill the cash till, isnt it?
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But this equation has been changing as the game has become faster and the players more alert and athletic. The main threat to batsmen now comes from the fielders. Whack the ball and an acrobatic fielder comes in the way. Tap it to steal a single and you had it. The fit fielder swoops down on the ball and throws it down the wicket.
Clearly, what matters most in one-dayers today is fielding. Jonty Rhodes, for instance, is a master fielder, diving, stopping, retrieving, catching and throwing like a maniac. Earlier, a good piece of fielding meant a diving, tumbling stop. Now thats routine! The good fielder not just stops the ball, but hits the wicket still sprawled on the ground.
Improved fielding also implies good running between the wickets. Earlier, you stroked the ball and strolled down the wicket for a single. Now, with fielders capable of hitting the stumps with the precision of a Jaspal Rana, judging a run needs some skill. The calling has to be just right and one cannot afford to be sluggish.
With fielding assuming greater importance, cricketers are working extra hard to refine these skills, says Ajay Jadeja, Indias best fielder. The key to fielding is giving it complete and undivided attention, expecting each ball to come to you.
Basic technical understanding is also crucial. These usually come instinctively to players, but over the years new tricks have to be learnt. Like sliding and diving, the sharp one bounce throw for run outs and the swift backing up to prevent overthrows.
Jadeja practises long and hard. This practice, he feels, raises his confidence. While under pressure, the actual work becomes much simpler. He has tremendous regard for Azhar and Kapil Dev, brilliant all round fielders who make things look ridiculously easy.
Jadeja rates catching Border in the 1992 World Cup his best. At long-off he saw the ball late and at the last minute, he had to dive in front to make it. His worst? At Toronto earlier this season, when he dropped Ijaz at point. An absolute sitter that saw team mates cursing till the batsman got out.