South Africa made it 2-0 against India after surging to a 135-run win at Centurion, meaning the Freedom Trophy is hosts’ once again.
Australia will be hoping the Indians can halt the Proteas’ momentum in the final Test in Johannesburg, otherwise they could find themselves outclassed when they arrive in March.
What made the win all the more impressive was the state of the wicket, which was oddly reminiscent of the subcontinent – brown and slow, rather than green and bouncy.
It was an even performance by the South Africans, who batted well in the challenging and unfamiliar circumstances, while their bowling was lean and unforgiving. But it was their impressive fielding that set them apart.
There was an athletic diving catch by the beanpole, Morne Morkel. While Cheteshwar Pujara found himself run out (for the second time in the match) thanks to the good work by the ever-dangerous AB de Villiers with the support of debutant, Lungi Ngidi.
Australia’s fielding has been far from remarkable in recent times. There have been some great individual efforts, like Steven Smith’s blinder in the Sydney Test, but there have been many missed opportunities too.
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The challenge in South Africa will be great enough without blunders in the field. Although the Australian batting line-up – led by the seemingly unquenchable Smith – performed consistently and with resolve over the summer, things won’t be so easy come March. Not only do they face a potent bowling ensemble that has genuine depth, but the conditions are far more fickle and less conducive to run-scoring.
Substandard fielding has been Australia’s status quo for years now – when compared to years past, anyway. The Aussies were once regarded as the best fielding unit in the world – not only did they create chances but, more often than not, they took them too.
This impressive Australian bowling quartet will produce its fair share of opportunities, but they can’t be missed if they’re to win.
The Big Bash League has had plenty of flawed fielding this summer. Outfields in Adelaide and Perth are carpet-like, yet balls are scooting between players’ legs as if they were playing tunnel ball. There have been dropped catches aplenty too – and not just half-chances, but straightforward, down-your-throat, easy-as-you-like bloopers.
While batting and bowling are the cornerstones of cricket, catches win matches. There needs to be an increased emphasis on fielding – at all levels. The Test side can motivate the lower tiers to up their game by showing the value of sharp fielding.
If they continue to miss chances, their South African safari will be one to forget.
DavSA
Guest
Posting from South Africa I think this article shows good perspective. Runs are hard earned here and chances are always there but have to be taken . The Proteas were excellent even at times sensational in the field and Virat Kohli himself in the post match chat felt that the fielding was the single big diffs between the 2 teams. Having said that SA now have a newly unveiled secret weapon ....The Ngidi Express. ....Just 9 1st class games and 21 years old he took 6 Indian wickets in the final Indian innings in Pretoria . Dale Steyn even if fit no longer a certainty in the team. A final thought ......I have always and still maintain that fielding goes to the coach . Buck stops there.
Perth Wicket
Roar Pro
It's the basics too, isn't it Bazza? Ground fielding, for example. There have been big improvements in boundary catching while hopping around the rope, but there are more simple errors slipping into each game.
Perth Wicket
Roar Pro
Good point, James. Steve Smith's fielding is brilliant at times but it can be sloppy too. He can't be considered a truly great fielder until he finds consistency. Yes, the BBL highlights the issue. There's a lack of emphasis on fielding with all the focus centred on power fielding and cunning bowling.
Perth Wicket
Roar Pro
There's no doubt that Matt Renshaw is a player for the future but he needs to score runs at the state level before he can be considered in the Australian line-up.
Perth Wicket
Roar Pro
Good question. I know he's been working with the IPL side, King's XI Punjab though I'm not sure what he's doing with the rest of his time.
bazza200
Roar Rookie
Yes the fielding in the big bash has been really sub standing it's alarming because it's not so easy to get better. Only gotta look at Cook his 244 dropped a few times to get there.
JamesH
Roar Guru
It's interesting how many commentators keep referring to Steve Smith as a brilliant fieldsman. He's definitely capable of brilliance but he has made a habit of dropping very catchable opportunities over a few years now. I don't think you can be called a brilliant fieldsman if you aren't consistent. Unfortunately, that lack of consistency seems to be setting a tone for our overall fielding. This is the first period I can recall where our national teams haven't had one or two genuine superstars in the field. There's currently no one of the calibre of Jones, M Waugh, Hussey, Ponting or Clarke. If the state of the fielding in the BBL is anything to go by, the lack of gun fielders runs deep. Should we just start bringing Jordan Silk along as a specialist sub fielder?
Larry1950
Guest
Renshaw at first slip would be a big improvement & I notice he got a five-for in last weekends Brisbane district competition and with the paucity of guys to roll the arm over in our test side, that's a bonus. Surely they've got to show faith after blooding him as a 20 year old. Not like his successor has set the world alight. Still think he can follow the Hayden path as he too was banished to state cricket after his initial test career.
Linphoma
Guest
I think the most successful Australian fielding units have had the Mike Young touch from years past. What is he up to these days?