Cricket is not only about batting and bowling, but also a game of clear field arrangements, quick reactions, and tactical awareness. Every player on the field contributes to the team’s success, and understanding
cricket fielding positions is essential for both players and fans who want to appreciate the strategic beauty of the sport.
In this blog, we will discuss all the positions of the cricket fielding, their significance, the alterations they may experience according to the bowlers and the format used and some interesting facts every cricket enthusiast must be aware of.
What are the positions of Cricket Fielding?
The fielding position is the particular position on the ground where the players are positioned to prevent a run or a catch in the cricket game. Every position serves its purpose, such as defending boundaries, catching edges, or backing up the plan of the bowler
.
The captain and bowler normally decide where to place him, based on the bowler’s strength, the strength of the batsman, and the situation during the match. Fielders may be near the batsman so that they can get caught, or they may be far in the outfield to avoid boundaries.
Basic Understanding of the Cricket Field
Before learning individual positions, it’s important to understand how the field is divided:
- Off-side: The half of the field in front of the batsman’s bat swing (for a right-handed batsman, this is the left side from the bowler’s view).
- Leg-side (or on-side): The opposite side of the batsman’s body (for a right-hander, the right side from the bowler’s view).
- Infield: The inner circle area (30 yards from the pitch) where close fielders stand.
- Outfield: The region beyond the 30-yard circle, where fielders guard boundaries.
Close Fielding Positions
These are positions where fielders stand very close to the batsman, often for catching edges or mistimed shots. They are crucial during Test matches or when spin bowlers are operating.
1. Slip
- Positioned beside the wicketkeeper.
- Catches edges from fast bowlers.
- Can have multiple slips: first slip, second slip, third slip, etc.
2. Gully
- Stands between slip and point.
- Ideal for catching balls that fly off the bat’s edge at an angle.
3. Silly Point
- Extremely close on the offside.
- Used for spinners, the fielder wears protective gear.
4. Short Leg
- Very close on the leg-side.
- Waits for balls that pop up off the batsman’s pads or bat.
5. Leg Slip
- Similar to a slip but on the leg side.
- Rarely used, mostly in Tests.
6. Forward Short Leg
- Slightly forward and close to the batsman’s pads.
- Aimed to catch flicks or inside edges.
Inner Circle Fielding Positions
Fielders here balance between catching opportunities and preventing quick singles. These positions are commonly used in all cricket formats Test, ODI, and T20. The inner circle usually includes players stationed close to the batsman within a 30-yard radius. Their main job is to react quickly, cut off sharp drives, stop quick runs, and apply pressure through agile movement and anticipation.
Key positions include
point, cover, mid-off, mid-on, mid-wicket, and square leg. Each has a defined role: the
point fielder dives to stop square cuts, while the
cover guards extra-cover drives.
Mid-off and
mid-on protect straight drives down the pitch, whereas
mid-wicket and
square leg cover leg-side flicks and pulls.
In limited-overs formats, these fielders are vital during powerplays when only two or three can stay outside the circle. Their quick reflexes, accurate throws, and sharp awareness often create run-out chances or save crucial runs. Inner circle fielders must stay alert for tip-and-run tactics, making them an essential part of a tight and disciplined fielding setup.
7. Point
- On the off-side, square to the batsman.
- Great for stopping cut shots.
8. Cover
- Between point and mid-off.
- Known as a key area for classic drives.
9. Mid-Off
- In front of the bowler, on the off-side.
- Often, a senior player or captain fields here to direct others.
10. Mid-On
- Opposite of mid-off on the leg-side.
- Supports the bowler and fields straight drives.
11. Square Leg
- Positioned square on the leg side.
- Crucial for catching top edges or stopping flicks.
12. Mid-Wicket
- Between square leg and mid-on.
- Common position for saving quick singles and run-outs.
13. Extra Cover
- Between cover and mid-off.
- For stopping powerful drives and saving boundaries.
14. Short Mid-Wicket / Short Cover
- Slightly closer to the batsman, often used for catching mistimed drives.
Deep Fielding Positions
Outfielders protect the boundary and are key during limited-overs cricket, where batsmen hit aerial shots often.
15. Third Man
- Behind the slips on the offside.
- Stops edges that go past slips or helps with deflections.
16. Deep Point
- On the boundary behind the point.
- Catches aerial cut shots.
17. Deep Cover
- On the boundary behind cover.
- Prevents cover drives from reaching the rope.
18. Long-Off
- On the boundary, straight behind mid-off.
- Guards big straight drives.
19. Long-On
- Opposite of long-off on the leg side.
- Fields lofted shots down the ground.
20. Deep Mid-Wicket
- Positioned deep behind mid-wicket.
- A common catching position in T20s.
21. Deep Square Leg
- On the boundary behind square leg.
- Used against sweep and pull shots.
22. Fine Leg
- On the boundary behind the batsman on the leg side.
- Stops glances and hooks.
23. Deep Fine Leg / Long Leg
- A deeper version of fine leg.
- Guards the edge of the field against short-pitched deliveries.
Specialized Fielding Positions
24. Sweeper Cover
- A deep fielder between cover and point.
- Common in one-day and T20 formats to cover wide drives.
25. Cow Corner
- A slang term for the deep mid-wicket to long-on area.
- Known for big slog shots.
26. Fly Slip
- A deeper version of a slip used in limited overs to catch top edges.
27. Short Third Man
- Inside the circle version of the third man.
- Useful for cutting off soft edges or saving quick singles.
How Fielding Positions Change by Format
In Test Cricket:
- Focus on catching positions like slips, short leg, and silly point.
- Defensive setups to build pressure over long periods.
In One Day Internationals (ODIs):
- A mix of attacking and boundary-saving fielders.
- Restrictions like power plays influence placements.
In T20 Cricket:
- Mostly boundary riders like deep cover, long-on, and deep mid-wicket.
- Emphasis on saving runs and stopping big hits.
Fielding Positions for Different Bowlers
For Fast Bowlers:
- Slips, gully, third man, point, and mid-off/mid-on are crucial.
- Designed for catching edges and cutting off quick singles.
For Spin Bowlers:
- Short leg, silly point, slip, leg slip, and mid-wicket.
- Aim to create catching chances close to the batsman.
Importance of Understanding Fielding Positions
Knowing
cricket fielding positions goes far beyond memorizing names on a diagram — it’s about understanding the logic and strategy behind every placement. Field positions are crucial for building game awareness, especially for captains and fielders who must adapt to every situation. Captains use these positions strategically based on several factors: the pitch conditions, the batsman’s strengths and weaknesses, the bowler’s plan, and even the match format. A smart field setup can pressure the batsman, force mistakes, and create wicket-taking opportunities.
Fun Facts About Fielding Positions
- The term “cow corner” originated in England, where the area was unused pastureland beyond the boundary.
- Jonty Rhodes revolutionized modern fielding, making positions like point and cover as important as bowling.
- The most catches in international cricket are held by Rahul Dravid, often stationed at slip.
Conclusion
Understanding
cricket fielding positions is like decoding the chessboard of cricket. Every fielder has a role, every placement has a purpose, and every decision can change the course of the match. Whether you’re a player, fan, or coach, knowing these positions adds a deeper layer of appreciation for the sport.
From close-in catchers to boundary defenders, every position contributes to the team’s overall success. Strategic field placements not only limit the batsman’s scoring options but also build pressure that often leads to wickets. A captain who knows how to use the right fielder in the right place gains a major tactical advantage, especially in tight matches.
