I'll start off by saying that T20 is my least favourite of the three formats. But I still enjoy it. I know I'm opening myself up to condecension from purists, but I have enjoyed the recent IPL. Chennai just won the final, I started off marginally behind them since I love Murali more than Sachin and Malinga added together and these players were my principal interests in the match. Then when Tendlya didn't walk after being caught behind I found my support for CSK increasing by the over!
One striking feature of the final was the fielding in the chase. 3 or 4 excellent catches, one sharp runout by MS and a few other runout chances that were quick work by the fielders. I recommend you look up the catches on YouTube if you didn't see them. (other video websites are available)
All this brings me to my point. I think the increasing amount of T20 cricket being played is dramatically improving the standard of fielding. Because batsmen have to hit out and sixes are commonplace and because in the closing overs, batsmen have to take risky singles and twos, there is more in-match practice and more emphasis on fielding in training and team-selection.
These skills will obviously transfer naturally to the longer, and better, forms of the game. The only caveat I can forsee is the art of slip fielding dwindling if youngsters play mostly T20. Clearly outside of fielding there is much at stake if T20 continues to gain popularity. We could see the demise of proper batting and attacking spin, wherein you buy wickets with boundaries.
One striking feature of the final was the fielding in the chase. 3 or 4 excellent catches, one sharp runout by MS and a few other runout chances that were quick work by the fielders. I recommend you look up the catches on YouTube if you didn't see them. (other video websites are available)
All this brings me to my point. I think the increasing amount of T20 cricket being played is dramatically improving the standard of fielding. Because batsmen have to hit out and sixes are commonplace and because in the closing overs, batsmen have to take risky singles and twos, there is more in-match practice and more emphasis on fielding in training and team-selection.
These skills will obviously transfer naturally to the longer, and better, forms of the game. The only caveat I can forsee is the art of slip fielding dwindling if youngsters play mostly T20. Clearly outside of fielding there is much at stake if T20 continues to gain popularity. We could see the demise of proper batting and attacking spin, wherein you buy wickets with boundaries.
