In cricket, where tactics often determine the match’s fate, one of the most important and exciting aspects of a captain’s role is setting up the field. This tactic involves a captain placing fielders in a position where they are putting pressure on the opposition rather than trying to contain them. Sometimes, captains opt for super-attacking field placements to mount intense pressure on the batters. Usually, this happens when the opponent is under pressure or when a tail-ender needs taking out. From umbrella fields to long slip cordons, here is a list of 10 times captains set some very aggressive fields.
1. Steve Waugh, Australia Vs Zimbabwe
In the second game of the 1999 Zimbabwe-Australia ODI series, Australian captain Steve Waugh made a rather unconventional decision. He chose to gather nine fielders in the slip cordon right next to the wicketkeeper, creating an extremely concentrated field. At the same time, Damien Fleming bowled to David Mutendera, who was Zimbabwe's number 11 batsman.
2. Michael Clarke, Australia Vs India
During the T20I match between India and Australia at the MCG in 2008, Australian captain Michael Clarke directed all of his fielders to encircle Indian tail-ender Ishant Sharma, who was about to face the crucial hat-trick delivery from Adam Voges. In a tense moment, Ishant skilfully managed to avoid losing his wicket, preventing Voges from achieving a hat-trick. However, despite this small victory, India ultimately suffered a comprehensive defeat in the match.
3. Rohit Sharma, MI Vs KKR (IPL)
With just 30 runs needed off the last five overs, Russell and Karthik were on the crease. KKR was sure to win the game when Sharma pulled off one of the most audacious moves. With Pandya bowling, he brought in a slip and a silly point. The tactic worked as it put pressure on the batters, and both of them looked a little jittery at the crease. Mumbai won by ten runs in the end.
4. Ben Stokes, England Vs Pakistan
Light was fading fast on the fifth day of the first test in Pakistan, with Pakistan nine wickets down, and about to lose. Leach had the ball in hand and both the batters were tail-enders. Stokes placed nine fielders around the batter, creating immense pressure. Consequently, the batter looked to defend instead of playing freely and in the process got out LBW.
5. Gautam Gambhir, KKR Vs CSK (IPL)
After two quick wickets fell, MS Dhoni stepped onto the field, prompting captain Gautam Gambhir to make an immediate tactical move. Gambhir strategically positioned a fielder at silly point, along with two slips and a short leg. This arrangement was designed to deter Dhoni from easily taking singles, intensifying the pressure on the new batsman and seeking further wickets. The ploy worked wonders as Dhoni found it difficult to score, and ended with just eight runs off 22 balls.
6. Brendon McCullum, New Zealand Vs England
McCullum’s first stroke of genius was introducing Kane Williamson to bowl to the English tailenders. He made quick work of Broad and Anderson and in came Panesar, the last man. With him came all the fielders in an umbrella field. All ten men stood surrounding the batter with five on the offside and four on leg, waiting for an edge.
7. Kane Williamson, SRH Vs KKR (IPL)
As Rashid bowled the 15th over to Andre Russell, captain Kane Williamson had a shrewd anticipation. He expected that Russell might opt to play Rashid Khan's spin cautiously and aim to rotate the strike. To unsettle Andre Russell, Williamson arranged for a slip fielder and a short leg, creating a tricky fielding setup. Rashid Khan, with his bag of variations, managed to keep Russell guessing. In a critical moment, on the fourth delivery of the over, Russell attempted a stylish cut shot, which went straight into the hands of the slip fielder.
8. Douglas Jardine, England Vs Australia
The controversial strategy known as bodyline bowling involved positioning the majority of fielders on the leg side and close to the batsman. This tactic was introduced by England's captain Douglas Jardine during the 1932-33 Ashes series and was executed by his bowlers. It mostly was employed to get rid of Don Bradman who scored big almost every game.
9. MS Dhoni, CSK Vs MI (IPL)
As Albie Morkel took charge of the penultimate over, Mumbai Indians were facing a challenging task of scoring 27 runs from the last seven deliveries. That is when MS Dhoni introduced a straightish mid-off fielder, positioning him directly behind the bowler's arm. Albie Morkel then delivered a ball that was significantly wide outside the off-stump. Kieron Pollard, attempting to hit the ball forcefully, ended up playing a shot that found its way directly into the hands of the fielder placed in this strategic position, resulting in a crucial wicket and an eventual victory for the Kings.
10. Gautam Gambhir, KKR Vs KXIP (IPL)
KKR were in a good position in the game with Punjab three wickets down for 70 runs. Gambhir then brought on the spin wizard Narine in the 15th over. He took two wickets in two balls. That is when Gambhir placed two slips and a silly point to help Narine take his hattrick. The pressure of the field on the off side forced the batter to try and flick the ball on the leg side but he missed, was bowled, giving Narine his hattrick.
