In a rare and unexpected moment during the second ODI between South Africa and New Zealand in Lahore, South Africa’s fielding coach, Wandile Gwavu, was seen stepping onto the field a??s a substitute fie?lder.

A fielding coach in action: Wandile Gwavu

A viral video from the match captured Gwavu actively fielding, showcasing his commitment to South Africa’s fielding stan?dards beyond just coaching duties. This rare sighting took place during the 37th over of New Zealand’s innings when the team was in pursuit of a challenging 305-run target.

The Proteas found themselves in a unique situation where they had exh?austed all their available substitutes, leaving them with no choice but to deploy Gwavu as an emergency replacement.  Having recently been appointed as South Africa’s full-time white-ball fielding coach, Gwavu’s impromptu fielding stint added a light-hearted yet remarkable moment to the h??igh-pressure encounter. His unexpected presence on the field became a talking point among cricket enthusiasts, highlighting the Proteas�challenging situation as they struggled to defend their total.

Here’s the video:

We don’t see that happening too often! 😅

South Africa’s fielding coach Wandile Gwavu came on as a substitute fielder during the New Zealand innings! 👀#TriNationSeriesonFanCode pic.twitter.com/ilU5Zj2Xxn

— FanCode (@FanCode) February 10, 2025

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Kane Williamson leads the charge for New Zealand against South Africa

Earlier in the match, South Africa posted a competitive total of 304/6 in their allotted 50 overs, thanks to a sensational century by Matthew Breetzke. The young batter played a commanding knock of 150 runs, anchoring the innings and providing his team with a fighting c??hance. Despite Breetzke’s heroics, the Proteas found themselves on the back foot as New Zealand made steady progress in their chase.

At the time of Gwavu’s unexpected fielding cameo, New Zealand was well on course to victory at 264/4 in 41 overs, needing just 41 runs from 54 balls. Kane Williamson, the backbone of New Zealand’s batting, was unbeaten on 112, playing a captain’s knock to steer his team closer to the target. His?? sublime innings, supported by Devon Conway’s 97, put the Black Caps in a dominant position, making South Africa’s bowling attack struggle for brea?kthroughs.

In the end, New Zealand comfortably registered a six-wicket victory with eight balls to spare, courtesy of Williamson’s match-winning knock. However, the ??most memorable takeaway from the game remained the sight of South Africa’s field??ing coach stepping in as an active fielder, an occurrence rarely witnessed in international cricket.

Also READ: New Zealand players to ????score ODI centuries in both India and Pakistan ft. Kane Williamson

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A ‘blindfold technique’ to increase reaction time, leather balls of various weights to gauge trajectory in breezy conditions and a simulation machine for slip-catching have made the Indian team a remarkably improved catching unit, fielding coach R Sridhar revealed in a recent interview.

While ‘blindfold technique’ is specifically used for red-ball cricket in England, a simulation machine is ‘Teammate’ is used for slip-catching in Australia.

When asked about the ‘blindfold technique’, Sridhar said, “We have a feeder behind a curtain and the catcher doesn’t know from where the ball is coming from.

“We would slide it from under the curtain. It did improve their reaction time (reflex), we did that extensively in England throughout the Test series. It is specifically for red-ball cricket.”

Also READ: ICC reveals men’s T20 World Cup 2020 fixtures

Now, balls of varying weights are being used during the ODI series against New Zealand in order to help the players prepare for? skiers with steady breeze threatening to change the trajectory.

“We brought a different type of machine called ‘Teammate’ for slip-catching simulations. We did a lot of blindfold work or reaction work. By the time, we reached Australia, it was a well-oiled machine and if you see, Virat Kohli took some brilliant catches,” the fielding coach added.

When asked about how the team is countering the breeze while handling skiers, Sridhar said, “The biggest challenge you face in New Zealand as a fielder is the breeze. Most of the batting and bowling plans are based around that breeze.

If we see the ball wobble a lot in air, we try and simulate that in practice, use balls of different weights, so that the ball swerves and swings more in the air.”

Sridhar also praised Hardik Pandya’s stunning catch to dismiss the Blackcaps skippe?r Kane Williamson at ??the Bay Oval on Monday.

“The desperation he brought was magnificent to see. He is always a good fielder and dying to get into the thick of things and be a part of this and get back to what he loves doing, that is to play cricket and as best as he can.”

“He (Pandya) made a very difficult catch look easy. It was a piece of magic and he is known for that and he is one of our best fielders. Hardik brings a lot to the team. Not only the balance but other factors as well,” he concluded.

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