Many cricketers regard fielding as a necessary chore in between batting or bowling. It is not a glamorous aspect of the game, yet it is often the difference between two evenly-matched teams.
And, if you were to chance upon a match at random, the quickest way to access the standard is to observe the fielding.

One of the oldest sayings in cricket is "Catches Win Matches". And it is true - not just because it rhymes.
How often has a player been dropped early in his innings while he is still getting his eye in, and goes on to score a century?
But ground fielding is equally as important.
Sloppy fielding not only concedes easy runs to the opposition, but an unnecessary single can release the pressure on a batsman created by a series of "dot" balls.

A player must try to enjoy his fielding so that he stays alert, and a coach should help him find his niche in the field.
And remember, fielding is about teamwork.
Throwing down the stumps is spectacular, and can result in run-outs if practised regularly. But, backing up and taking the stumps at the bowler's end are the "one percents" that give a fielding team consistency.
Good teams spend more than half the match in the field because they normally field twice, so attention to fielding is vital.