Aussies reclaim fielding standard
AARON Finch says “a lot of blood, sweat and tears” have gone into Australia reclaiming its crown as the world’s No.1 fielding unit.
According to CricViz, the Australians have saved more runs on average than any other nation at the World Cup with all-rounders Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis leading their charge.
“It's always been a big part of our DNA of how we play our best one-day cricket,” Finch said. “It says a lot about the attitude that the team brings on the day.
“We know when we are playing our best we are in the ring, we are cutting off ones, we are making the opposition feel uncomfortable with our movement in the ring and just angles that we are moving.”
Australian coach Justin Langer set out to remedy the sloppy fielding standards 12 months ago through rigorous training and selection.
“If you look at our World Cup squad, we now have a gun fielding side,” Langer said.
While Finch said the fielding was sloppy against Bangladesh, the Australians have been sharp in most matches.
“(There’s been) a lot of blood, sweat and tears in some fielding sessions that have happened over the last couple of months in particular,” he said.
“Fielding is great fun when you are doing it well. If you look around our group, we have got some of the best fielders in the world.
“Davey (Warner) is not throwing like he was a few years ago, but Maxi is as good as anyone in the world, Smithy (Steve Smith) is right up there.
“Nathan Lyon is seriously as good as anyone. And when you have got a lot of guys that can field in a lot of different positions, I think that inner circle becomes really crucial.”