A Cordon refers to having all players fielding the slips often referred to as Slip Cordon. This scenario takes place when a slip fielder is put on the off side of the field behind the batter. The aim of putting a slip fielder on the off side is to make sure that the player managed to catch an edged ball that is beyond the reach of the wicket-keeper.
The Importance of Slips Cordon
A lot of teams usually place two or three slips fielder close to the wicket-keeper just to make sure that they managed to catch the ball making the batter lose points. In limited over games, a floating slip patrols the area near the slip cordon. The distance from the batter and the bowler’s pace increases around the slip cordon area. In fact, their distance is often further from the batter as that of the wicket-keeper. Placing a slip fielder on the off side will give the team an opportunity to catch the ball particularly those that are fast bowlers.
What It Takes to be a Slip Cordon?
To be a good slip cordon fielder, the player needs to have quick reflexes and sure hands. They are considered as the best catchers in the team. Usually, these fielders will make up the slip cordon and are fast movers. They are trained to look out for the ball on the off side and move quickly so that the batter can only do a limited number of runs. A fielder that does not have sure and capable hands can result in losing the ball making the opponent earn enough runs, which a team cannot afford. Hence, fielders in slip cordons are known to be the best players in their team. They ensure that a batsman will have a hard time scoring a large number of runs that might lead to having the opposing team gain an advantage in the scoring system. In addition to being the best players in the team, these fielders are also top-order batters.
