- Jonty Rhodes
When we talk about brilliant run outs there is one iconic image that sums it all up. We’ve surely all seen that dramatic photograph of Jonty Rhodes diving full length to complete the run out of Inzamam-ul-Haq at the 1992 World Cup.
South Africa were playing in their first ever global tournament and Rhodes’ intervention helped to establish their credentials on the world stage. Many still think of him as the greatest fielder of all time and that run out was just one of many crucial contributions to the team.
3. AB de Villiers
South Africa’s AB De Villiers will be remembered by some as a brilliant wicket keeper. Towards the end of his career, AB gave up the gloves and became a superb outfielder.
De Villiers could be positioned anywhere on the pitch and he wouldn’t let his team down. He became known for some spectacular catches in the deep and some deadly accurate throws from within the 30 yard circle. In short, he was everything that a captain needed from his best fielder.
3. Ricky Ponting
Ricky Ponting was one of the most knowledgeable cricketers of all time. That’s why he was such a successful captain of Australia and he carried that success across to his coaching career. As a fielder, he was very adept at reading a situation and assessing just what a batter was most likely to do.
That meant that he could anticipate a shot and, more often than not, he would find himself in exactly the right position. Ponting would often field in the slips at test level but he could be most effective inside the 30 yard fielding circle.
4. Brendon McCullum
Brendon McCullum was New Zealand’s wicket keeper for many years but, when he gave up the gloves, he became one of the best ground fielders around. He may not have been quite as fast as some of the players on this list but his accuracy was key to his success.
McCullum was rarely off target with any run out attempt and was influential in sending batters back to the pavilion in this way. He also had that safe pair of hands and few can remember him dropping a catch.
5. Ravindra Jadeja
There are many who think that Ravindra Jadeja is the best fielder in world cricket today. If ever there is a reel of spectacular catches in any tournament, it’s no surprise to see him involved.
Jadeja is capable of spectacular catches on the boundary edge and he has a bullet throw from long distance. He’s also very athletic and capable of keeping the runs down from his own bowling – as all bowlers should be.
4.Andrew Symonds
The late Andrew Symonds was one of the best all-round cricketers in his day. He had huge ‘bucket’ hands and it’s hard to remember him dropping a catch. He was reliable in any fielding position, but was often seen at backward point or in any place inside the 30-yard circle.
Symonds was a big man and perhaps batters underestimated him at times. You wouldn’t have necessarily expected this Aussie to be quick across the turf, but he was like lightning and could affect run outs that were beyond most others.
Andrew Symonds was one of the most dangerous all round fielders of his era.
5. Suresh Raina
Fans outside of India might just be surprised at this one, but anyone who watched Suresh Raina regularly would agree with his inclusion. Raina is strong at backward point and he proved this over many years with Chennai Super Kings in the IPL.
He could also keep the runs down when fielding in the 30-yard circle. There was rarely a single on offer when Suresh Raina was lurking, and the fact that he kept going at the highest level into his mid-30s is a testament to his fitness and ability.