Fielders who defy gravity and expectations display incredible athleticism, elevating the already beautiful sport of cricket. This piece explores the world of cricket pitch acrobatics, with a particular emphasis on the superb catches made when fielders are sprinting backward. These fielders have moments when quick reflexes and spatial awareness turn regular deliveries into spectacular dismissals. These catches, from the outfield to the slips, display an uncommon combination of skill, foresight, and audacity. As we recall these incredible moments, each catch serves as a monument to the exceptional skill that turns cricket from a bat-and-ball game into a platform for players to accomplish gravity-defying feats in the chase of glory. Here is a list of ten of the most brilliant catches taken while running back.
1. Kusal Mendis Vs Pakistan
Kusal Mendis took an excellent catch off the bowling of Asitha Fernando to dismiss Shan Masood. The much-needed breakthrough came late during day one as Masood went for a half-hearted pull short. He only managed to get an edge and the ball flew over Mendis at short square leg, who ran backwards and took an excellent diving catch.
2. Shoriful Islam Vs South Africa
Nasum Ahmed bowled a slower delivery to Van Der Dussen who looked set to take Pakistan over the line. The result was that Dussen hit it high in the air without much distance on it. Islam, positioned at mid-on ran back, keeping his eyes on the ball and dived at the last moment to grab a screamer.
3. Kagiso Rabada Vs Australia
Rabada, generally known for his excellent bowling skills, produced a beauty to dismiss Ellis. Ngidi bowled a slower ball to Ellis, who chipped it to the leg side. Rabada, stationed inside the circle, ran back and dived to take a blinder. This incredible catch ended what little hope Australia had to win the game.
4. Tilak Varma Vs Australia
Bishnoi delivered a fuller, quick ball, and Inglis attempted a swing across the line. Though it didn't connect cleanly with the middle of the bat, the ball seemed destined to sail over the infield. Yet, Tilak Varma, stationed at mid-on, showcased impeccable timing and a perfectly executed jump while running backward to secure the catch, handing Bishnoi his second wicket.
5. Travis Head Vs India
Going backward from the covers, Head lunged forward with a full-length dive to snare an extraordinary catch, sending the dangerous Rohit Sharma back to the pavilion, which was also the turning point in the game. The Indian skipper had mistimed a lofted shot off Glenn Maxwell in the 10th over.
6. Adil Rashid Vs Bangladesh
Adil Rashid showcased brilliance in the field, securing an outstanding catch to send Shakib Al Hasan back to the pavilion. Chris Woakes delivered a short ball that tempted Shakib into a pull shot. The Bangladeshi all-rounder's top edge was masterfully caught at short fine leg by Adil Rashid, who exhibited exceptional effort.
7. Roelof Van Der Merwe Vs South Africa
Van Der Merwe displayed outstanding fielding skills against the Proteas. In the 16th over of the second innings, Glover delivered a short ball, enticing Miller into a pull shot that sent the ball soaring into the air. Positioned at backward square leg, Van der Merwe sprinted backward and extended himself entirely to the left, securing a remarkable catch.
8. Kane Williamson Vs India
Tim Southee forced an error with a well-executed slower ball that Rohit mistimed. The ball climbed skyward, and Kane Williamson, stationed at mid-off, ran backward while the ball swirled above. With his composed demeanor, Williamson maintained his calm, steadying himself before securing the catch that led to Rohit Sharma's dismissal.
9. Steve Smith Vs Zimbabwe
In the 25th over, Munyonga hammered Adam Zampa's delivery high into the air, and that's when Smith pulled off a sensational catch. He exhibited remarkable skill in judging the trajectory of the high ball. Running backward at full speed, he dove to grab the catch just above the ground. Smith had to hustle to position himself under where the ball would land. Throughout the play, he kept his eyes locked on the ball and executed a spectacular catch.
10. Heinrich Klaasen Vs Netherlands
In the seventh over, Netherlands' opener, Vikramjit Singh attempted a pull shot against Kagiso Rabada's delivery but got cramped for room. This led to a top edge, sending the ball high into the sky. Klaasen, stationed at slip, showcased exceptional anticipation. The moment the ball caught the top edge of Vikramjit's bat, Klaasen swiftly followed its path. Sprinting backward, he executed a diving catch that left onlookers in sheer amazement.
