The ManicaPost
MY esteemed followers of the gentlemen’s game and readers of this weekly insertion, I have decided to revisit an aspect of the game of cricket that I once penned about, but in a much broader context now.
In order to play cricket, one should have a good practical and theoretical grasp of the four major activities of the game:
• Fielding
• Bowling
• Batting
• Wicket keeping
Fielding essentially involves catching and throwing in a variety of circumstances, both static or on the move. Fielding involves catching, intercepting and throwing.
CATCHING
Just like in the past articles that I have looked at comparing the old street game of hwishu and cricket. These sports both have catching as a very important part of them. There are few types of catches. The cricket ball when struck moves at an alarming speed and to catch it one needs a lot of practice.
The High Catch
Objective: To catch a ball which is dropping quickly.
How to catch: Sight the ball. Move quickly to where it will come down. Stand still with hands up above eye level and palms facing ball, fingers spread out, little fingers touching. Hands “give” as ball is caught. Finish close to chest.
The Skim Catch
Objective: Primarily to catch a flat trajectory ball arriving about head high.
How to catch: Sight the ball, palms facing ball, fingers pointing upwards, thumbs touching.
Hands give as ball is caught. If ball is caught directly in front of head, move head to side as hands give
The Close Catch
Objective: Primarily to deal with catches close to the wicket.
How to catch: Eyes level, head still and palms facing anticipated line of ball. Fingers pointing down, elbows clear of body. Weight on balls of feet and shape hands give as if ball is caught already.
Intercepting and returning
The Long Barrier and Throw
Objective: The long barrier is used to ensure the ball is stopped.
Method: Head on line of ball, left knee on ground, overlapping right heel. Palms facing ball, fingers pointing down. Holding ball in right hand, stand up taking a pace towards target with left foot. Aim with left arm with weight on back foot which is at right angles to line of throw. Throw ball; follow-through over left leg with right arm and right leg.
Chasing and retrieving
The Short Throw
Objective: Run inside line of ball to enable right foot to land beside it.
Method: Weight well back. Head over right knee, left foot trailing, pick ball up. Turn to left into throwing position. Aim and throw without further steps. This is one exciting way of fielding that is evidently crucial in fielding. These ways of interception and throwing are not confined to professionals only; even youngsters playing for their colts teams do it the same way as the professionals.
The Long Throw
Objective: To retrieve a ball after picking up near the boundary.
Method: Ensure left foot is forward alongside ball. Bend down keeping seat well back. Pick ball up, push hard on left foot. Turn to left, fling left arm into aiming position and throw. When I played cricket as a youngster this is what I used to love doing that is playing in the outfield so that I can show my prowess and power in throwing the ball.
Throwing on the Turn
NB This is an advanced technique, used to prevent runs, or to secure a run out.
Method: Run inside line of ball. Pick up ball alongside right foot and then step onto left foot, jump, turning in the air. Aim at target with left arm and throw while still in the air.
Fielding is a very crucial part of both the games of hwishu and cricket, both fielding teams have to stop the opposite team from making runs. Zimbabwe national cricket team is known as one of the best fielding teams in the world.
Till next weekend!
For your feedback get in touch with Aubrey Farai Kamba on 0778712 404
