India's fielding coach says team using video analysis in planning field settings

Robin Singh happy with fielding display at The Oval

Cricinfo staff

September 7, 2007

Rahul Dravid led a team that put in a much-improved performance at The Oval, effecting three run-outs © Getty Images

Robin Singh, India's fielding coach, says he is pleased with the improved performance by the Indian team in the field during the sixth ODI against England at The Oval.

"We turned in a much better performance in the field in the sixth game," Robin told the Hindu. The Indian team had drawn criticism for their poor fielding in the ongoing NatWest series, including a spate of dropped catches barring the ODI at The Oval.

"Even someone like Ramesh Powar has shown some improvement, has lifted his game," he said. "Yuvi [Yuvraj] has been brilliant. Robin [Uthappa] was good. Gautam [Gambhir] has been useful. I have been stressing safe and not flashy fielding. The seniors chipped in. We need to get to a level before we take it to the next stage."

Robin said the team finally seemed to get it right, with India managing three run-outs, including a direct hit from Uthappa to dismiss Luke Wright. "We created more chances, put more heat on them. We have been improving in small steps. Fielding is all about doing the job under pressure. We fielded better than England at The Oval.

"The support staff has put in a lot of work. We fielded much better in the circle and this is an area we have been working on. If you look back at Wednesday's game, you will find that we stopped quite a few boundaries in the circle.

He said the team had been analysing videos of the England batsmen to chalk out strategies on the field against them. "We had the fielders in the right areas, keeping in mind the batsman taking strike. They were put under more stress, and took chances with singles and twos. The run-outs of Collingwood and Pietersen are examples."

Robin indicated the team was all set for the series decider at Lord's. "The spirit in the camp has been tremendous and the boys are raring to go."

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