Saving the Single — The Most Underrated Fielding Skill in Cricket
Why cutting off the single is more valuable than boundary saves in limited-overs cricket, and the techniques behind it.
The single — a quick push into a gap for one run — is the most common scoring shot in cricket. In a T20 innings, a team may take 40-60 singles in addition to their boundaries. A fielder who saves 10 singles in a match has contributed 10 runs directly — the equivalent of a boundary-saving dive. But saving singles is less visible and receives less attention than spectacular dives at the boundary. It is, arguably, the more important skill.
The Mechanics of Saving a Single
Saving the single requires anticipating the shot before it is played. An experienced fielder at cover or mid-off reads the batter's body position, the ball's length, and the angle of the bat before the ball is struck. Moving a half-step before the ball arrives means arriving at the ball while it is still rolling, rather than after it has passed. A fielder who always reacts after the contact has been made will be a step too slow all day.
Throwing Technique
Stopping the ball is only half the job — the throw to the correct end is equally important. Ring fielders must decide instantly whether to throw to the wicketkeeper (striker's end) or the non-striker's end (bowler's end), based on which batter is running toward which end. A direct hit on the stumps is the ideal; a throw into the gloves of the keeper or the bowler's hands is the next best. An inaccurate throw not only fails to produce a run-out but allows a comfortable single to become a potential second.
The Intimidation Effect
Excellent ring fielders create an intimidation effect. Batters who know they are facing a fielder with quick hands and a strong throw will not attempt singles to that side of the field. This forces them to score only through the fielder's weak zone — narrowing the scoring areas and increasing the pressure on the batter to play higher-risk shots. A brilliant fielder can effectively 'block' an entire quadrant of the ground without ever stopping a specific ball.
Frequently asked questions
Is saving a single more valuable than stopping a boundary?
A boundary save prevents 3-4 runs (saving 4 vs allowing 1 run for the single). Saving a single prevents 1 run. Per incident, a boundary save has higher value — but singles happen far more frequently.
How do fielders decide which end to throw to?
Generally: throw to the end where a batter is running toward. If both runners are level, throw to the end with the batter who is slower or less set. Wicketkeeper calls can guide this decision.
Can a fielder save a single with a dive?
Yes — a full-length dive to stop a ball rolling into the outfield, followed by a quick throw, is a legitimate single-saving technique and is celebrated as good fielding.