T20 World Cup 2022: Rating teams based on their fielding

Fielding is arguably the most underrated aspect of the game. In MS Dhoni’s biopic, ‘MS Dhoni: The Untold Story,’ a line by the former captain in the film is actually an accurate representation of the game in the modern era. A batter can fail to perform at times, and a bowler can too, but a fielder will always save some crucial runs for the team.

The same mantra was always a part of the game as Australians, South Africans and fielders from New Zealand and England were always good. The Asian countries took some time to realize its importance. Now, fielding has also become a skill, especially in the shortest format of the game, when an over can actually decide the fate of a game.

Be it MS Dhoni’s run-out in the 2019 World Cup semi-final or Pakistan’s tragedy of dropping catches over the years, fielding has always been an aspect of the gentlemen’s game. So, before the all-important T20 World Cup, here’s what the current situation is for all the teams when it comes to fielding!

Rating Teams based on fielding

Australia - 8/10

Australians are normally very safe when it comes to fielding. Over the years, they have trained themselves to be one of the best and thus, they hardly falter on the field. Now, there’s a stigma that the bowlers are often excused when it comes to fielding but credit goes to the Aussies for excelling in that department as well.

Now, the team compromises players like David Warner, Glenn Maxwell, Aaron Finch and Steve Smith who are simply extraordinary on the field. Out of the top ten most catchers in the history of T20I cricket, David Warner ranks sixth in the list with 56 catches while captain Aaron Finch ranks eighth with 48 catches to his name. They set the standard in the team and that’s how Australia are one of the bests in this department.

Due to the massive grounds in Australia, where the tournament will be played, Aussies will definitely have the advantage of having a solid fielding unit. However, injuries of certain players may actually be a curse to the team. Will Mitch Marsh, Marcus Stoinis and Mitchell Starc (currently injured players) give their hundred per cent on the field? That is one area that needs to be seen!