Cricket is a game that requires a lot of skills and abilities, both with the bat and the ball.
However, there is another aspect of the game that is equally important, if not more: fielding.
Fielding is the art of stopping, catching, or throwing the ball in the field, to prevent the batsmen from scoring runs or to get them out.
Fielding can make a huge difference in the outcome of a match, as a brilliant catch or a direct hit can change the momentum of the game.
Fielding also requires a lot of fitness, agility, reflexes, and coordination, as well as a good sense of anticipation and positioning.
There have been many great fielders in the history of cricket, who have amazed the fans and the opponents with their spectacular efforts on the field. Some of them have become legends of the game, and some have set new standards for future generations.
In this article, we will rank the top 10 best fielders in the world, based on their overall impact, consistency, and excellence in the field. We will also look at some of their memorable moments and achievements in their careers.
10. Andrew Symonds (Australia)
Andrew Symonds was one of the most versatile and explosive players in the Australian team, who could bat, bowl, and field with equal flair. He was a powerful hitter of the ball, a handy off-spinner, and a superb fielder in any position. He was especially good in the outfield, where he could cover a lot of ground, dive, slide, and throw with accuracy and speed. He also had a knack of taking stunning catches, often in the air or near the boundary. He was a key member of the Australian team that won two World Cups in 2003 and 2007, and was also part of the team that won the Champions Trophy in 2006 and 2009.
One of his most memorable fielding moments was in the 2005 Ashes, when he ran out Michael Vaughan with a direct hit from the deep, after sprinting across the field and picking up the ball with one hand. He also took a brilliant catch to dismiss Kevin Pietersen in the same series, diving forward and plucking the ball inches from the ground.
9. Paul Collingwood (England)
Paul Collingwood was one of the most reliable and consistent performers for England, who contributed in all three departments of the game. He was a gritty batsman, a useful medium-pacer, and an outstanding fielder. He was particularly adept at fielding in the slips, where he took some spectacular catches, often with one hand or in the air. He was also very agile and quick in the infield, where he could save runs and effect run-outs with his sharp throws. He was the captain of the England team that won the World T20 in 2010, and was also part of the team that won the Ashes in 2005, 2009, and 2010-11.
One of his most memorable fielding moments was in the 2005 Ashes, when he took a stunning catch to dismiss Matthew Hayden at slip, diving to his right and grabbing the ball with one hand. He also took a brilliant catch to dismiss Ricky Ponting in the 2009 Ashes, leaping high and holding on to the ball with both hands.
8. Suresh Raina (India)
Suresh Raina was one of the most dynamic and exciting players in the Indian team, who could change the course of the game with his batting, bowling, and fielding. He was a prolific run-scorer in the limited-overs formats, a handy off-spinner, and a phenomenal fielder. He was one of the best fielders in the world, who could field anywhere on the ground, but was especially brilliant in the covers, where he could stop, catch, or throw the ball with ease and elegance. He was also very athletic and acrobatic, and could pull off some stunning catches and run-outs. He was a vital member of the Indian team that won the World Cup in 2011, and the Champions Trophy in 2013.
One of his most memorable fielding moments was in the 2011 World Cup, when he ran out Umar Akmal with a direct hit from the deep, after running and sliding to collect the ball. He also took a brilliant catch to dismiss Ross Taylor in the same tournament, diving to his left and holding on to the ball with both hands.
7. Faf du Plessis (South Africa)
Faf du Plessis is one of the most accomplished and elegant batsmen in the world, who can play in all formats and conditions. He is also a brilliant fielder, who can field in any position, but is especially good in the point region, where he can stop, catch, or throw the ball with precision and grace. He is also very athletic and agile, and can make some spectacular dives and leaps to save runs or take catches. He is the captain of the South African team in all formats, and has led them to some memorable victories and performances.
One of his most memorable fielding moments was in the 2015 World Cup, when he took a stunning catch to dismiss David Warner at point, diving to his right and plucking the ball with one hand. He also took a brilliant catch to dismiss Steve Smith in the same tournament, running backwards and catching the ball over his shoulder.
6. Steve Smith (Australia)
Steve Smith is one of the best batsmen in the world, who can dominate any bowling attack and score runs in any situation. He is also a brilliant fielder, who can field in any position, but is especially good in the slips, where he has taken some amazing catches, often with one hand or in the air. He is also very quick and agile in the infield, where he can save runs and effect run-outs with his accurate throws. He is the captain of the Australian team in Test and ODI formats, and has led them to some remarkable victories and achievements.
One of his most memorable fielding moments was in the 2017-18 Ashes, when he took a stunning catch to dismiss Dawid Malan at slip, diving to his left and grabbing the ball with one hand. He also took a brilliant catch to dismiss Alastair Cook in the same series, leaping high and holding on to the ball with both hands.
5. Herschelle Gibbs (South Africa)
Herschelle Gibbs was one of the most explosive and entertaining batsmen in the world, who could tear apart any bowling attack and score runs at a rapid pace. He was also a brilliant fielder, who could field in any position, but was especially good in the outfield, where he could cover a lot of ground, dive, slide, and throw with power and accuracy. He also had a knack of taking spectacular catches, often in the air or near the boundary. He was a key member of the South African team that reached the semi-finals of the World Cup in 1999 and 2007, and also won the Champions Trophy in 1998.
One of his most memorable fielding moments was in the 1999 World Cup, when he took a stunning catch to dismiss Steve Waugh at mid-wicket, diving forward and plucking the ball with one hand. However, he also dropped the same batsman in the same match, which cost his team the game and a place in the final.
4. Ricky Ponting (Australia)
Ricky Ponting was one of the greatest batsmen and captains in the history of cricket, who led Australia to two World Cup titles in 2003 and 2007, and many other trophies and records. He was also a brilliant fielder, who could field in any position, but was especially good in the covers, where he was a master of saving runs, taking catches, and effecting run-outs. He had a strong and accurate arm, and could throw the ball from any angle and distance. He was also very athletic and agile, and could make some incredible dives and leaps to stop or catch the ball. He was one of the most influential and inspirational players in the Australian team, and one of the most respected and admired players in the world.
One of his most memorable fielding moments was in the 2003 World Cup final, when he ran out Zaheer Khan with a direct hit from the covers, after picking up the ball with one hand and throwing it in one motion. He also took a brilliant catch to dismiss Brian Lara in the same tournament, diving to his left and holding on to the ball with both hands.
3. Ravindra Jadeja (India)
Ravindra Jadeja is one of the most valuable and versatile players in the Indian team, who can contribute with his batting, bowling, and fielding. He is a left-handed batsman, a left-arm spinner, and a phenomenal fielder. He is one of the best fielders in the world, who can field in any position, but is especially good in the point region, where he can stop, catch, or throw the ball with ease and elegance. He has a rocket arm, and can throw the ball from any distance and angle. He is also very athletic and acrobatic, and can pull off some stunning catches and run-outs. He is a vital member of the Indian team that won the Champions Trophy in 2013, and reached the final of the World Cup in 2019.
One of his most memorable fielding moments was in the 2019 World Cup semi-final, when he ran out Ross Taylor with a direct hit from the deep, after running and sliding to collect the ball. He also took a brilliant catch to dismiss Martin Guptill in the same match, diving to his right and holding on to the ball with one hand.
2. AB de Villiers (South Africa)
AB de Villiers is one of the most versatile and talented cricketers in the world, who can bat in any position and play any shot. He is also a brilliant fielder, who can field in any position, but is especially good in the point region, where he can stop, catch, or throw the ball with precision and grace. He is also very athletic and agile, and can make some spectacular dives and leaps to save runs or take catches. He has also kept wickets for South Africa on many occasions, and has shown his skills behind the stumps. He is the former captain of the South African team in all formats, and has led them to some memorable victories and performances.
One of his most memorable fielding moments was in the 2015 World Cup, when he took a stunning catch to dismiss Corey Anderson at point, diving to his left and plucking the ball with one hand. He also took a brilliant catch to dismiss Virat Kohli in the same tournament, running backwards and catching the ball over his shoulder.
1. Jonty Rhodes (South Africa)
Jonty Rhodes is widely regarded as the best fielder of all time, who revolutionized the art of fielding with his incredible efforts on the field. He was a solid batsman, a useful off-spinner, and an outstanding fielder. He could field in any position, but was especially good in the covers, where he could save runs, take catches, and effect run-outs with his amazing speed, agility, and accuracy. He was also very acrobatic and fearless, and could dive, slide, and throw the ball from any angle and distance. He was a key member of the South African team that reached the semi-finals of the World Cup in 1992 and 1999, and also won the Champions Trophy in 1998.
One of his most memorable fielding moments was in the 1992 World Cup, when he ran out Inzamam-ul-Haq with a direct hit from the covers, after diving full length and throwing the ball in one motion. He also took a brilliant catch to dismiss Robert Croft in the same tournament, diving to his right and holding on to the ball with one hand.
