56 | ME Cricket | April 2009

EXCLUSIVE TO MIDDLE EAST CRICKET CHRIS CAIRNS’ TOP TIPS TO T20 SUCCESS

ABOUT CHRIS CAIRNSChris Cairns was one of the fi nest all-rounders in the world, and became only the sixth man to achieve an all–rounder’s double of 200 wickets and 3,000 runs in Test cricket in March 2004. He holds the record for the most

number of sixes in Test cricket (87) passing Sir Viv Richards’ record at Lords in 2004. He retired from all international cricket in 2006.

IN THE NETST20 MASTERCLASS

This month: FIELDING

Bowling and batting is what we all love to do but it is fi elding that can really change a match! In many quarters today you hear the phrase “multi-skilled” cricketers. As a player the minimum requirement is that you perform two disciplines, like bat and fi eld or bat and bowl. With 20/20 looming as the

next big thing, fi elding is a crucial make up of the game and you will need to have fi elding skill as a prerequisite.

Because the T20 format is so much shorter, every run is vital. Bowlers should not give away extras and batsmen need to take every single but in the fi eld you just cannot aff ord to carry any player. They have to be able to save runs. Often with pitches favouring batsmen so much in the 20/20 format then having someone in the fi eld who can take a wicket by a brilliant catch or eff ect a run out becomes an attacking option. It also means that your chance of being selected in the team increases because you possess this skill. How do you become this good… well let’s see!

April 2009 | ME Cricket | 57

TIP 2 TECHNIQUEAs good as the top fi elders are they practice their technique religiously. This means throwing correctly and throwing when you’re balanced. So many players make the mistake of throwing off balance because if you just take a split second longer to throw the ball on balance you have more power and are more accurate..

The extra accuracy and power you can create as a result of a ball thrown from a balanced position can make all the difference to the end result. Something else to remember is that if you are looking for distance, get a feel for the seam of the ball before throwing.

The back–spin this will create will help the ball travel further through the air, but don’t spend too much time searching for it. With more practice, you will get a feel for it.

TIP 3 MENTALITYWe have talked here about the guys who are brilliant in the fi eld but this for all you guys who aren’t! Fielding can be boring, concentrating is key to being involved in the game and not missing that chance which may come your way.

Try switching off and relaxing between balls then as soon as the bowler runs in then you give all your focus to this delivery. Then relax again. Cricket is about turning off and turning on. I personally don’t think you can concentrate all the time, this will help. And lastly make sure you put your effort in the fi eld for your team mates because do for others as you would expect them to do for you. Fielding is the true team part of cricket and set some team goals of every man saving two runs, or who can save the most runs in this innings. Make it fun but most of all make the effort. Cricket

TIP 1 ANTICIPATIONThis skill is debatable, are you born with it or can you manufacture it? I believe it’s a bit of both but I know how much time and effort players like Chris Harris and Hamish Marshall put in to their fi elding and they were two of the best that I ever saw. They would always anticipate where they thought the ball might go. They knew where a batter liked to hit and they would set themselves to be ready for the catch or to stop the blistering shot. Do your homework on opposition batters, it really helps.

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ONE STEP AHEADAssess the strengths and weaknesses of the batsman and be ready to pounce on them

PRACTICEPractice your throwing technique as often as possible. Hold the ball across the seam for distance

Fielding can be boring so concentrating is key to being involved in the game and not missing that chance that may come your way!”

58 | ME Cricket | April 2009

IN THE BAG...HELMETS

GRAY NICHOLLSComfort: Good level of comfort, but a little heavyProtection: Squarer Masuri-style grill does not offer quite as much protection as the Albion style.Visibility: Good visibility with enough options and light-grey grill colour.Cost: Dhs 255Mark: 3/5

GUNN & MOOREComfort: Adjustable latch at the back of the helmet makes it the most user-friendly of the bunch. However, lack of internal padding results in a rattley experience.Protection: Helmet as used by Michael Vaughan in Test cricket, offers great allround protection, both inside and outside the helmet.Visibility: Light coloured synthetic strip underneath the peak along with chrome grill helps contrast the red ball for clearer viewing. Cost: Dhs 275Mark: 4.5/5

G-FORCEComfort: Very comfortable helmet with plenty of internal padding and cushioning. Large vents on top enable air to circulate to the head and keep you thinking straight. Protection: As good a protection as any other helmet in this market.Visibility: Few options, but deep grill makes for ample visibility.Price: Dhs 95Rating: 4/5

AJComfort: The most internal cushioning of the bunch.Protection: Plastic material will cushion any serious impact, but not the vibrations. Great ventilation.Visibility: Few adjustment options make for limited visability for players will larger heads. Cost: Dhs 95 Rating: 3/5

ALBIONComfort: Poor comfort levels with basic internal padding.Protection: Has the best reputation of the bunch here although design is a little dated.Visibility: Full grill options for great visibility.Cost: Dhs 225Mark: 3.5/5

EDITOR’S CHOICE

Now a vital component of any player’s kit bag, the modern helmet is no longer seen as being uncomfortable or distracting. We look at the best helmets available in the local market

Use your head!