Ricky Ponting could be an ideal slip fielding coach for India, reckons Matthew Hayden

Ponting had earlier mentored the IPL franchise Mumbai Indians.

Ponting was considered as one of the finest fielders of his generation | Getty

Former Australia opener Matthew Hayden has suggested that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) should rope in someone like Ricky Ponting in their coaching staff to improve the fielding department, especially the slip catching. Hayden reckons that the 2 times World Cup winning Australian skipper is an ideal candidate for this job.

Matthew Hayden recently commentated in the Test series played between India and Sri Lanka wherein Virat Kohli’s troops spilled quite a few catches throughout the three matches. The 46-year-old Hayden feels it is a cause of concern for Team India since they will play most of their Test matches in overseas conditions in the next one year.

“The cricket world hasn’t thought about a slip fielding coach, but if they need one, then it has to be Ricky Ponting. He was outstanding. One should not change fielders from their allotted positions. If Mr X stands regularly in the first slip area, he should be allowed to remain there only because in the process he will feel comfortable to stand in the same spot,” Hayden was quoted as saying by Mid Day.

“Ultimately, he will do personal adjustments to his fielding when he gets the opportunity to stand in the same position again,” he further added.

It is pertinent to mention here that during his playing days, Ponting used to be deemed as one of the finest fielders in the world. In 168 Tests, the legendary Australian captain has plucked 196 catches besides taking 160 catches in 375 ODI matches.  

For a brief period earlier this year, Ponting had also joined the Australian coaching staff for the Sri Lanka series. He was a key figure in shaping up the IPL franchise Mumbai Indians. It was his visionary eyes that brought the exceptional talents like Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya in contention. The 42-year-old was also instrumental in guiding and marshalling players like Jos Buttler and Krunal Pandya.

 
 

By Salman Anjum - 16 Dec, 2017

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