Players you'd play for their fielding alone

[Pakistan]

Mark Waugh and Ponting.

[SLICKR392]

Mark Waugh and Ponting.

Ponting was easily one of the best ground fielders. bwJ8KR0E-KQ

[cricketpitch]

My point is he would've kept someone with similar or a bit superior batting talent out of the side on basis of his fielding.

That's always a possibility but again the difference in average is important. If someone is averaging 40+ consistently with the bat and is a decent fielder, I am sure Jonty would have played ahead of him. But if you are talking about someone who is averaging 1 or 2 points above Jonty and is a decent fielder than I would pick Jonty without hesitating. This can happen with bowlers too. If two bowlers are averaging almost same with the ball but one is better than the other with the bat, then we all know who will play in the team if only one of them can play. Jonty was far superior fielder than anyone in SA and his batting in the 90's wasn't that bad compared to other SA players making their debut during that time.

[Roshanrocks]

Gautam Gambhir currently is in Kolkata only for his fielding :giggle: