The slip cordon is a challenging position in fielding, as catching the ball after it kisses the bat’s edge requires exceptional skill. Only a few global fielders can successfully fill this role and make incredible catches. It takes remarkable reflexes and a sharp mind to become an expert in the slip cordon and receive stunners while standing close to the batter.
In the past, renowned players such as Rahul Dravid, Mark Waugh, Allan Donald, Ian Chappell, Mahela Jayawardene, and Graeme Smith displayed outstanding fielding techniques and temperament as accomplished operators of the cordon. Today, some players known for their batting talent have also proven themselves as excellent slip fielders.
Here are the top three current slip fielders:
Number 1. Joe Root
Image Source – Twitter
In his 11-year international Test career, Joe Root has achieved several feats with his bat. He is currently seen as a potential record-breaker, with fans hoping he will surpass Alastair Cook’s Test runs record and become England’s most prolific Test scorer. Despite his impressive batting records, it should not be forgotten that Root is also a fine fielder for his team, particularly in the slip area, where he has stunned opponents many times.
In 2019, he completed his 100th catch in Tests in style, removing Australia’s James Pattinson off Jofra Archer’s bowling in the third Test of The Ashes at Headingley. Root is currently the second most successful fielder in Test cricket for England, having taken 171 catches in 244 innings of 129 games. In upcoming matches, he is expected to break Alastair Cook’s record of 175 catches in 300 innings of 161 Tests.
Number 2. Virat Kohli
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Virat Kohli, the legendary Indian player, is renowned for his prolific catching at the slips, much like his former teammate Rahul Dravid. He is considered one of India’s best fielders in the slip region, taking some unbelievable screamers for the team with his soft hands and brilliant hand-eye coordination.
In December 2018, Kohli thrilled his team’s fans with a breathtaking catch against Australia in the second Test in Perth. Standing at second slip, he made an acrobatic effort to take a flying catch and dismiss Peter Handscomb on Ishant Sharma’s delivery.
In the Test format, Kohli is currently ranked second among Indian players who have taken the highest number of catches. He has taken 299 catches in 588 innings of 493 games, second only to Rahul Dravid, who has taken 333 catches in 565 innings of 504 international contests.
Number 3. Steve Smith
Image Source. -Twitter
Steve Smith is a slip fielding master, whose incredible catches have left fans awestruck. His sharp reflexes and unwavering focus make it difficult for batsmen to score runs past him. One of his most famous catches came in 2019 during a match against New Zealand in Perth, when he took a one-handed catch off Mitchell Starc’s delivery to dismiss Kane Williamson.
Smith has taken 154 catches in 181 innings across 95 international appearances for Australia. His fielding skills have earned him the fifth spot on the list of Australian cricketers with the most catches across formats.
