Bengaluru, July 20: Ten years ago, if someone had suggested to Mike Young that he would have a long association with cricket, it would have probably been seen as a crazy idea. Born in the United States with baseball an intrinsic part of his life, it was not surprising that Young got hooked to baseball and eventually turned to coaching in that sport.

But a surprise call from Cricket Australia in 2000 saw Young, who spent much time Down Under, plunge into cricket. And since then, Young has played a key role in revolutionising fielding standards in cricket and has been the epitome of Australia’s success in all formats.

Young is truly a globe-trotter. Apart from managing baseball teams in the US and Australia, his strong coaching credentials have also taken him to England, New Zealand and most recently, to India.

In February this year, Young, who is also the assistant coach of the 2009 Indian Premier League Champion side Deccan Chargers, was recruited by the Indian cricket board as a consultant for the Sri Lanka series.

To term his brief stint with the Indian team a success would be stating the obvious as the 55-year-old, who was twice named International Baseball Federation coach of the year in 1997 and 1999, has been invited to impart his skills to the youngsters at the National Cricket Academy here.

“I was contacted by Ravi Shastri (the NCA chairman),” says Young, admittedly proud and excited about his six-day stint.

He is presently contracted with Cricket Australia until the 2011 World Cup, but Young is ready to dive into the Indian system, if given an opportunity. “If I am invited again I would be excited to consider it again. Who knows what the future holds? I would love to be part with the Indian team.”

Young shed more on fielding skills and his tryst with the Indian team. Excerpts:

How do you look at the fielding standards in general since you became part of cricket nine years ago?
Since I have been here there have been immense changes. In a sport, nine years is a short period of time but I am proud to say that fielding is now considered important. Players now enjoy fielding, and I am proud of that.
What do you think about the fielding of Asian players? Are they catching up with Australians?
Asian players are not catching up slowly anymore, but they are very good. I can tell you without any question of doubt, that in the last 3-5 years. Asian fielding has improved dramatically.
As a result of what Australia did, the other teams saw Australia were successful, and they thought ‘Whoa, Look at them how they field. They can beat us on the fielding, and now we have to be more focused’.” So to their credit, they took notice and emulated some of those things.
How was your experience with the Indian team as a consultant? Have they shown any improvement?
After the Lanka series I haven’t seen much of them. I was only there for a brief period.
What I imparted them was to enjoy their fielding and train harder as they would do with their batting and bowling. I had an outstanding experience with them.
Who do you think are the best fielders cricket has seen?
Jonty Rhodes was exceptional because his anticipation was amazing. He actually read the ball, the angles. But I believe he didn’t throw the ball best. The best fielder overall I have seen is Ricky Ponting and he still is the best in the world. Michael Clarke and Andrew Symonds were also good. When the three were playing we were best in the field.
What is it like being with the Deccan Chargers?
I love being with DC. Skipper Adam Gilchrist and his team have been very good. When I am not there with the Australia team, I enjoy being with the Deccan Chargers. It means a lot to me.
What are your impressions about the players?
Full credit to the boys for going through their drills with interest. It is all good to plan but it is the players who go out there and execute the plans. My job is not to get caught up with anything but work closely with DC. The team have been outstanding in the field.