by Saj Sadiq

 

20th January 2010

 

Speaking exclusively to PakPassion.net former Pakistan fielding coach Julien Fountain stated that the importance and benefits of employing a fielding coach should not be underestimated by cricket boards and players alike.

"Fielding is a vital part of cricket, especially in the limited overs formats. If a team is dropping catches like Pakistan are at the moment and letting runs through on a regular basis, they will struggle to win consistently" stated Fountain who was employed as fielding coach with the Pakistan team.

Fountain worked under Bob Woolmer when Pakistan toured England in 2006, as well as a stint in 2001 for a home series and training camp when Richard Pybus was the coach. He was also the fielding coach working with Mudassar Nazar when the Pakistan "A" team toured Sri Lanka and Fountain believes that specialist coaches need to be utilised wherever possible.

"Specialist coaches are part of todays cricket coaching structure and should be utilised wherever possible in all departments. They have a more detailed knowledge in their particular area as they will have focussed on analysing and problem solving specifics where a general coach may have not, or certainly not to such an extent."

Responding to a question regarding whether he would be interested in working for the Pakistan Cricket Board once again, Fountain stated "I would jump at the chance to work with the Pakistani players once again and I'm confident that I can help them with their fielding troubles".

Rumours are rife that the Pakistan Cricket Board are looking for a full time fielding coach after the debacle in the recently concluded test series in Australia, where the Pakistan ground fielding and catching was at times abysmal.