Hyderabad, Nov. 4: If there has been a defining moment in the ongoing ODI series thus far, it came at Mohali on Monday night when a direct throw from Australia skipper Ricky Ponting caught India’s Yuvraj Singh short of the crease — the Men in Blue subsequently falling runs 24 short. That throw captured the essence of top-notch fielding that the Australians have always been known for, an area that has always been a concern for the Indian team.

Not surprisingly, Tim Nielsen called fielding a ‘key differentiator’ between the two sides and Australia’s fielding coach Mike Young couldn’t agree more. "I totally agree with Nielsen on this. The wicket of Yuvraj Singh was an extremely important one that came at a crucial juncture. That particular run-out shifted the balance in Australia’s favour and we went on to win the match from there on," Young said.

As someone associated with the current Australian team and as an assistant coach to the defending Indian Premier League champions Deccan Chargers, Young understands the nuances of the trade.

"Fielding is an extremely difficult aspect of the game which requires multiple skill-sets and functionalities from the players. The most important element of fielding is intent. In the Australian team, we have Ricky Ponting who shows the way for the other players.

"To me, he is the best fielder in world cricket at the moment. He has the right attitude and intent to field for long hours in the game under the hot sun and managing to affect those crucial run-outs that change the course of the game. The best example for this was in Mohali," Young said in an exclusive chat with this newspaper.

On the mantra the Australians follow, Young said, "I have been associated with the team since 2002 and have seen how Ponting goes about fielding drills with intent and enthusiasm which is unmatched. The other cricketers rally around him and are naturally motivated to give their best on the field.

"So, it stems from the leader. Ditto for Deccan Chargers who have Adam Gilchrist — a legend of the game — at its helm and he has instilled the importance of fielding as a component. The results are for all to see."

The 53-year-old coach even goes on to state that an-allrounder in cricket must necessarily be a good fielder too. "It’s an insult to the element of fielding that cricketers who are just good in two aspects — bowling and batting are considered as all-rounders," Young said.

While Young has helped Australia continue their charm with their all-round skills on the world stage, he has also displayed his coaching skills by helping the Chargers capture the coveted IPL trophy in 2009.