You might have heard many famous cricketers say, “Catches win matches!” It is indeed true. Fielding is an unsung department of cricket. When a fielder throws himself at the bowl to stop a boundary, it boosts the morale of the rest of the team and speaks volumes about the team’s spirit. In test matches, a slip cordon is very important for the outside edges travel to the slips. It is tough to be a slip fielder as the ball travels very fast, and you need soft hands to catch the ball here. Let us have a look at the Top 10 Sip Fielders at the moment in international cricket-
1. Steve Smith (Australia)
Seldom do you see Steve Smith drop a tough chance in slips, let alone be a dolly. Smith possesses one of the softest pair of hands, a quality essential to be an excellent close-in fielder. Smith usually stands in the first or the second slip position. As of 25 December 2021, Smith has taken 131 catches in slips and is the only non-wicket keeping fielder to have taken 3 catches each in 14 Test innings.
2. Joe Root (England)
Joe Root is one of the best batters in the world currently. But he is an equally great fielder, especially beside the wicket-keeper. While he is in slips, grab popcorn and watch him catch the edges. His soft hands, the anticipation of the ball, feet movement while catching are a treat to watch. Since 2015, he has caught more than 85% of the opportunities he has got in the slip cordon.
3. David Warner (Australia)
As good David Warner is as a batter, his slip fielding is a treat to the eye. Always alert, the celebrative roar after taking the catch is an incredible sight. His technique and vigilance make him one of the best slip fielders from Australia.
4. Ajinkya Rahane (India)
Ajinkya Rahane is one of the soundest fielders in the slip and the gully region. As of 18 January 2022, Rahane has taken 99 catches in Test matches, most coming in the cordon. He holds the record for the most catches in a single Test match (8).
5. Tom Latham (New Zealand)
Being a wicket-keeper surely helps to be a slip fielder. Kiwi player Tom Latham is a great example. Latham is one of the best slip catchers in the current New Zealand team. Although short in height, he is very swift and takes the catch with soft hands.
6. Virat Kohli (India)
As a batsman, you don’t want opposition fielders sledging at you every now and then for it disturbs your concentration. Virat Kohli is precisely that kind of fielder. In addition, he is a superb fielder in the slip cordon and has a history of grabbing blinders. As a captain, being in slips also helps him read the game better.
7. Ben Stokes (England)
Although Ben Stokes doesn’t field in slips very often, he never fails to impress when he does. Stokes is a tall man and uses his height to his advantage while fielding. With spectacular agility and fast reflexes, he makes slip fielding look so easy. The tall height increases his range, enabling him to take many catches.
8. Dhananjay De Silva (Sri Lanka)
This young man from Sri Lanka moves with the ball. One needs to keep a constant eye on the ball’s trajectory to catch the ball. His numbers prove his skills as he has taken 46 catches in test matches.
9. Jermaine Blackwood (West Indies)
Jermaine Blackwood is one of the best slip fielders for the West Indian team. The tall man from Jamaica has taken 34 catches in his 43-match-old test career. Having big handsand keen eyesight works in his favor while taking fast-moving catches.
10. Azhar Ali (Pakistan)
Azhar Ali is one of the safest slip fielders on whom you can bet your money. Having experience of 91 matches, Ali has taken 65 catches.
