Fielding is an important aspect that aids in turning the match's tide. From fast run-outs, throws from the boundary line, quick reflexes in slips, and effortless catching techniques, fielders, are underrated in cricket. In this article, we talk about the Top 10 Best Australian fielders in international cricket.
1. Ricky Ponting
The former Australian Captain was an excellent fielder who often was found at covers in ODI matches and at the slips in Tests. He controlled the field by issuing on-field instructions and directed aggression when the batter was well-settled. These tactics helped deceive the batters and get them out. He was also an acrobatic fielder, unafraid of injury, diving in most situations. Such resilience made him a very dangerous fielder.
2. Mark Waugh
A great batter, Mark Waugh, also impacted the fielding area. Known for his exceptional catching skills and pin-point throws, he was a dangerous fielder with in the 2000s. Mark Waugh fielded in the covers or sometimes in the deep mid-wicket region in Tests.
3. Michael Clarke
Michael Clarke’s fielding abilities came in the 2005 Ashes series, where he dismissed many of England’s top-order batters through stunning catches in the slip cordon and accurate runouts. Clarke is a reliable fielder known for his quick reflexes and safe hands.
4. Andrew Symonds
Known for his resilience and energy, Andrew Symonds is a fine fielder. He has taken many fine catches, and his throws from deep are accurate. Many batters have fallen to the throws of Symonds. He also is involved in distraction tactics, along with Ponting and others, which break the mindset of the batter, thus making wickets easy. Andrew Symonds’s brilliance came in 2006, and consecutively, he became a great fielder. Symonds picks his spot at the covers or the mid-wicket region, where it is easy to taunt opponents and break their concentration.
5. David Warner
David Warner is known for his exceptional fielding and pin-point throws. Warner is a great fielder who doesn’t care for injuries and often puts his body on the line to save a boundary for the team. His agility and ability to take catches safely are crucial for the team, as Warner performs brilliantly.
6. Brett Lee
Brett Lee is a fine fielder. Often found across the boundary line, he is known for his swift response time and ability to take catches, no matter where he is. Lee has taken some stunning catches that seem improbable. He often dives in, not caring for what happens after. He was a vital asset to the Incredible Australian side from 2000-2010.
7. Matthew Hayden
Matthew Hayden is a solid fielder. Often found at slips, Hayden is known for his aggressive taunting, safe hands, and accurate timing in taking catches, which compensates for his lack of speed. Hayden is often involved in scare tactics, where he taunts the opponent, thus gifting the bowler an easy wicket. His fielding records have been decent, and at slips cordon, Hayden is a nightmare to face against.
8. Glenn Maxwell
Glenn Maxwell is a very agile and speedy fielder, often known for his accurate throws and effortless fielding style. He has a very athletic body which, allows him to dive in for claiming catches and, his match vision is brilliant. He uses the boundary line diving stops, often efficiently, in his career.
9. Damien Martyn
Damien Martyn is known for his calm and composed batting and his fielding. He took many fine catches through his agility and effortless skill in taking catches. His most famous catch came in the 2003 World Cup final, where he took a diving catch off Zaheer Khan. Martyn fields at the mid-wicket region but sometimes loiter around the long-on.
10. Michael Hussey
Michael Hussey is a superb fielder. Known for his excellence in the outfield and agility, Hussey took many fine catches throughout his career. He runs to claim the wicket, often diving at improbable chances. Hussey is a speedster in fielding and covers more ground than other fielders, and is involved in many boundaries saves for his team.
