Xtra Time Web Desk: The countdown has begun for the much-anticipated ICC World Test Championship Final between India and Australia to be played at the Oval from June 7. The Indian cricket team is leaving no stone unturned in their preparations for the big final against Australia. The Men in Blue have paid special attention to their fielding during their short preparatory camp at the Arundel Castle Cricket Club in Sussex.
With the dukes ball moving considerably after passing the batter, wicket-keeping and slip catching becomes paramount in England. The Indian team fielding coach TP Dileep is using different techniques to improve slip catching and one among them is the use of coloured balls.
Now why coloured balls are being used? It helps players to adjust to last-minute deviations so that they do not drop a crucial catch that might prove costly. Different colours of balls have been used with green and yellow being the most prominent ones. These are specially made rubber balls for fielding drills. These balls are named ‘reaction balls’ and it is used for fielding drills only in some specific countries, mainly England or New Zealand where the breeze and colder conditions become a factor.