Chris Taylor, the fielding coach for the England Lions joined Ashley Giles on the 12th February 2012 at the Laker Legacy Spin day and gave his views and expertise on fielding in the key positions when the spinners are bowling. Some of his thoughts are:-
'Walking in'. Chris advocated 'walking through the shot' rather than getting into a ready position at a set time every ball. this invloved approaching in a crouched and alert style and looking to predict what the batter's intentions are. Once the fielder knows what the batter plans to do they have anumber of options:-
- Set themselves in a ready psoition if they anticipate an attacking shot that would require quick movement left or right.
- Continue to move in if the batter is about to drop the ball short of teh fielder.
- Start to edge left or right if they see the batter looking to work tyhe ball in a gap either side of them.
Close Catching. A correct starting position will make any catch easier. Chris advocates all close catchers get into a squat position similar to a weight lifter with a straight back and head up. The fielder has their elbows on their thighs until the bowler is about to bowl and then get the hands ready below knee height. 'Give' with the ball should not be encouraged as it takes the hands away from the line and height of the ball and reducing the chance of getting your hands in the right spot to take the catch. Instead the hands are strong with relaxed arms and body whioch allows the body to absorb the energyu of the ball.