Fielding is all in the mind8217;

Q: How does Test/One-day fielding differ?
AJ: In a five-day game there are so many things on a player8217;s mind. A fielder could be thinking of the wicket, of his second knock, about fielding for the next three or four sessions. One-day cricket is more direct, more immediate. In fact, the fielding itself is directed towards taking wickets, getting a side out. It is moredefensive and aggressive at the same time, more challenging and more satisfying. A fielder has a greater chance to make a real, valuable contribution and stay in the game. But it is also high pressure, more intense 8212; even a minor mistake can cost the team a lot.

Q: What other qualities are vital in one-day fielding?
AJ: You must adapt according to situation. The situation tells you whether you should throw flat or in a loop, where to throw, whether to throw at all. You need intelligence to read a game, anticipate the batsman8217;s intentions. You should know whether he is looking for a single or trying to go for a big hit.

Q: What kind of shoes do you use?
AJ: I prefer the half spike 8212; I think it is perfect, just the right weight and supple enabling me to move quickly, run and stop abruptly. But nowadays even the full spikes are very good.

Q: Do fielders trick a batsman?
AJ: Sometimes it happens in the sense you give him hope of two knowing you will be able to prevent thesecond. While trying this you may actually concede two, that is, the extra run. But if you get him out after a while it is worth it. Fielding is a very tricky thing, more so when you notice that it is not the best fielders who make run outs. Normally when the ball goes to Jonty Rhodes the batsmen don8217;t run and his chances of run outs get reduced to that extent. Earlier, before people fully realised how good he was, batsmen were taking chances and getting beaten by the throws! Another factor is that depending on the situation, the batsmen just have to run. They are forced to take chances, sometimes impossible looking chances. In such situations you don8217;t have to be a brilliant fielder to make a run out. A normal pick up and throw is sufficient because the batsmen are desperate.

Q: What have been your worst mistakes?
AJ: Too many to recall. But I remember a catch off Eddo Brandes on Sachin8217;s bowling at long on. The ball was hit straight at me, it came looping off a mishit. I had too much timeunderneath the ball. Mentally, I had finished the catch much before it came to me. When it finally landed, it just went in and out. Dropped an absolute sitter.