Former Australian skipper Ricky Ponting, in a question and answer session on Twitter with his followers, named his all-time top three fielders. The list included three stellar athletes, one from Australia, and two from South Africa.
Ponting, himself regarded as one of the finest fieldsmen of his generation, if not all-time, holds the record with most catches (196) for an Australian. Wearing his heart on his sleeve, Ponting was a daunting figure in the slip cordon as well as across the outfield.
Ponting named Andrew Symonds, Ab de Villiers and of course, Jonty Rhodes as his top three favorite fielders.
His compatriot Symonds was a game-changer on his own too, with the bat, ball or on the field. The all-rounder won many matches for the Aussies in his playing days, going down as perhaps, the best of the crop to have played for his nation. Rhodes and de Villiers need no further introduction, as both have been known for their supernatural actions on the field. With 139 catches and a staggering 56 run-outs in international cricket, he’s arguably the greatest fielder to have graced the gentleman’s game.
Ahead of Big Bash duties as a commentator, Ponting opened the door for an array of questions from his supporters, who interrogated him on a variety of topics such as Rishabh Pant’s current situation, the most complete batsman in modern-day cricket and other tips and suggestions.
When asked to list the best fielders across all timelines, he replied, “Andrew Symonds, AB de Villiers, Jonty Rhodes.”
Much to the surprise of many, no Indians, Englishmen or New Zealanders were listed, although players from these nations are widely recognized as sharp fielders.
On Pant, he confidently pronounced:
“Rishabh Pant is a young man with a huge amount of talent. I’m looking forward to working with him again during the IPL and I’m sure he’ll be back in the Indian team sooner rather than later.”
While the likes of Symonds and Rhodes have retired from the game, de Villiers is still at his optimum fitness levels, dispatching sixes effortlessly for the Brisbane Heat in the BBL.
Related Reading:
- CPL 2020 Top Performers (Most Runs, Wickets, Catches, Sixes)
- ICC Hall Of Fame 2020 Inductees: Kallis, Sthalekar & Abbas
- Gambhir Reminds Afridi An Important Record Refuting Quote In Afridi’s Book
- Tendulkar, Lara, Kohli & Other Cricketers with MRF Bats
- Ranji Trophy 2019/20: Top Performers (Most Runs, Wickets, Catches, Dismissals)
- IPL 2020: An All-Stars Match To Be Played Before The Inaugural Match
Leave a Reply