#NoMatterWhat - 5 reasons why the South African team is the fittest fielding unit in the world

#2 Diverse range of sports played

AB de Villiers is one of many South African players to have played multiple sports competitively at a young age

Apart from the high levels of fielding drills conducted by the domestic sides, another major factor that contributed to South African players’ fitness is the diverse range of sports they play. Look no further than the greatest of them all, Jonty Rhodes himself, who was an accomplished hockey player.

His playing hockey definitely helped him move quicker on the cricket field, where the action is not as hectic. His razor-sharp reflexes are as much as a by-product of his time on the hockey field as of his intensive training.

Dale Steyn is into outdoor sports, which include deep-sea diving and skateboarding. This allows him to take a rest from cricket whenever he wants to, but keeps his body in shape. His love for outdoor activities keeps his fitness in check, which allows him to bowl longer, harder and faster, keeping his reserve energy in full flow.

Perhaps the best fielder in modern times, AB De Villiers is no stranger to playing different sports. Excelling at golf, tennis, swimming, badminton and rugby, De Villiers constantly seeks out new ideas to keep improving his fitness and staying ahead of the game.

The players also conduct football training sessions in between their regular cricket training periods, again to take their mind off the game without affecting their fitness. The encouragement given by the coaches at the domestic circuit goes a long way in shaping these cricketers for the future, and the experience they get from playing different sports helps them stay fit and focused, which are basically the things a good fielder must permanently possess.