The first slip is where fielders display their skill and anticipation to catch flying cricket balls out of thin air. It is a monument to accuracy and anticipation. This piece reveals the creativity that goes into the first slip position, where fielders make excellent catches by defying gravity. Cricket lovers cherish every moment of every catch, from incredible reflexes to daring dives that appear to defy gravity. These amazing first-slip moments not only turn the tide of a game, but also serve as a testament to the agility and lightning-fast reflexes of the players occupying this vital position. Here is a list of ten of the most fantastic first-slip catches ever— moments that go above and beyond the norm and raise the bar for fielding to new heights.
1. Ross Taylor Vs England
As the bowler bowled a good length ball to Morgan, he went at it hard but only managed to edge it. However, the power behind the stroke caused the ball to move upwards at an incredible speed towards the first slip. Taylor reacted quickly and jumped up to reach the ball with one hand and grab a blinder.
2. Joe Root Vs Sri Lanka
Joe Root took an absolute stunner off the bowling of Chris Woakes. Woakes was bowling over the wicket to Lakshan when he edged the ball that went sharply towards Root, and was moving away from him. Root reacted quickly to take a beautiful catch to his left side, dismissing the batter.
3. Alastair Cook Vs India
Stuart Broad bowled a ball outside the off stump and the batter took the bait. He knicked it and the ball went flying, right in between the keeper and the first slip. Cook, standing at the first slip reacted sharply and took a one-handed grab to his left, leaving the batter in disbelief.
4. Mahela Jayawardene Vs New Zealand
In a breathtaking display of skill, Mahela Jayawardene exhibited his mastery at first slip, snatching a sensational catch to send Kiwi batsman Kane Williamson packing, courtesy of Sachithra Senanayake's delivery. Demonstrating remarkable acrobatics, the seasoned Sri Lankan cricketer lunged to his less natural left side, defying gravity to secure the catch with one hand after a few attempts, showcasing his exceptional reflexes.
5. Suresh Raina Vs England
Suresh Raina grabbed a great catch during the third ODI clash between India and England at Trent Bridge. Ravichandran Ashwin managed to get the outside edge off Ben Stokes, and the ball traveled low toward Raina's side, and it went very quickly. However, Raina skilfully snagged it just inches above the ground.
6. Ian Bell Vs India
Ian Bell grabbed a screamer to send Stuart Binny packing, taking a fantastic one-handed catch at slip. Binny went for the drive, reaching well outside off on the front foot, creating an outside edge. Initially headed for third man, Bell lunged fully to his right and secured that catch, putting India into even more trouble.
7. Joe Root Vs Australia
Root, with a delayed reaction, played a crucial role as Bairstow stayed still. He quickly extended his left hand, managing an extraordinary one-handed catch just after the ball passed his body. Wood's delivery was short, directed outside the off stump. The ball nicked off Labuschagne's bat, heading into the gap between first slip and the wicketkeeper. Yet, Root's sharp awareness made the difference.
8. Virat Kohli Vs Australia
In a breathtaking moment, Virat Kohli showcased his fielding brilliance by taking an exceptional catch to dismiss Warner. Mohammed Shami, introduced early in a surprise move by India, skilfully induced an edge from Warner's bat. Kohli, strategically positioned at slip, exhibited flawless timing and agility as he gracefully leaped to his right, adeptly plucking the ball out of thin air.
9. Rohit Sharma Vs Sri Lanka
Rohit Sharma executed a spectacular slip catch, dismissing his Sri Lankan counterpart Dasun Shanaka. During Ravindra Jadeja's second spell, he created an early breakthrough by inducing an edge from Dasun Shanaka on the first ball. Rohit, positioned at first slip, made a diving catch to his right, completing the stunning dismissal.
10. Steve Smith Vs India
Smith's heroics unfolded in the 10th over when he soared to his right, snagging a one-handed beauty to dismiss Hardik Pandya off Sean Abbott's delivery. The ball, a tad short of a good length, tempted Pandya into a drive without any foot movement, resulting in a thick outside edge. Despite initially appearing wide of the slip fielder, Smith's Superman-like dive to his right left everyone in awe.
