The Ultimate Guide to Cricket Fielding Positions: Mastering Strategy and Technique

Cricket is a game of strategy, skill, and precision. One of the most defining elements that sets it apart from other team sports is how every player on the fielding team is strategically placed to prevent the batting side from scoring runs. These carefully designated locations on the field are called cricket fielding positions. When executed correctly, a well-thought-out field placement can disrupt a batsman’s rhythm, create wickets, and turn the tide of a match.

In this authority article, we will explore all the major cricket fielding positions in detail, grouped into three categories:

The Close Catching Field
The Inner Ring
The Outfield

By the end, you will have a clear understanding of what each position is called, where it is located, why it matters, and how it contributes to a winning strategy. Whether you are a budding cricketer, a coach, or a curious fan, keep reading for a deep dive into every nook and cranny of the cricket field.

Understanding the Basics of a Cricket Field

Before we jump into each specific position, it’s important to have a general overview of how a cricket field is structured:

Pitch: The central rectangular strip of 22 yards where the batsmen stand and the bowler delivers the ball.
Off Side & Leg Side: For a right-handed batsman, the off side is to the batsman’s left, and the leg side (or on side) is to the batsman’s right. This reverses for a left-handed batsman.
30-Yard Circle: A key feature in limited-overs cricket, this circle is drawn around the pitch, 30 yards from the center. Fielding restrictions in formats like T20 and One Day Internationals often reference this circle (e.g., a maximum number of fielders allowed outside the circle in certain overs).

Cricket positions include considerations of distance from the batsman. Fielders may stand very close (often within 15 yards), within the 30 yards circle (the “inner ring”), or out near the boundary line in the outfield.

1. The Close Catching Field

This group comprises the positions located nearest to the batsman—generally within 15 yards or even closer. The primary goal is to catch any nick, edge, or short aerial shot. Because these fielders are in the immediate “danger zone,” they must be extremely alert, agile, and often wear protective gear (such as helmets and, in some instances, external leg guards) to safeguard against injury.

1a. Wicket Keeper

Location: Directly behind the stumps at the batting end.
Role: The wicket keeper is the backbone of the close catching field. They are responsible for catching the ball if the batsman misses, gathering edges, and performing stumpings and run-outs at the striker’s end.

A talented wicket keeper has quick reflexes, safe hands, and the ability to anticipate how the batsman might hit the ball. This position is so critical that wicketkeepers are often considered the “eyes and ears” of the team, providing crucial insight into pitch conditions and the batsman’s technique.

1b. The Slips

Location: Positioned behind the batsman, beside the wicket keeper, usually spanning a diagonal line on the off side.
Number of Slip Fielders: There can be multiple slip fielders—commonly referred to as First Slip, Second Slip, Third Slip, Fourth Slip, etc.
Role: Catch edges that the batsman nicks if the wicket keeper is unable to grab them.

Slip fielders concentrate intensely on the ball’s seam movement after it leaves the bowler’s hand. These positions include the most crucial catching roles, especially when fast bowlers are at work.

1c. Gully

Location: Slightly wider than the slips, forming a diagonal line with them.
Role: A Gully fielder catches or stops the ball that edges off a defensive or back-foot shot.

This position demands swift reflexes because the ball can arrive at a very awkward height and angle.

1d. Leg Slip

Location: Behind the batsman, but on the leg side, mirroring the slips’ position on the off side.
Role: Similar to slip fielders, leg slip is responsible for catching any stray ball flicked or glanced off the batsman’s pads.

Because many right-handed batsmen focus heavily on off-side play, leg slip is not always employed. However, it can be crucial when a bowler targets the batsman’s pads or leg stump line.

1e. Leg Gully

Location: Slightly behind and wider than the leg slip, on the leg side.
Role: Another catching position, leg gully can help trap the batsman who flicks deliveries off the hips.

Leg gully is used strategically when a bowler consistently bowls a leg-stump or short-of-length line, tempting the batsman to play leg-side shots.

1f. Silly Point

Location: Very close to the batsman on the off side, typically at a 45-degree angle in front of the batting crease.
Role: Catch bat-pad edges from defensive shots or short lunges.

Because it’s so close to the impact area, silly point is considered one of the most dangerous fielding positions. Players typically wear helmets, shin guards, and sometimes chest protection.

1g. Silly Mid-Off

Location: On the off side but slightly deeper than silly point, still close to the batsman.
Role: Similar to silly point—primarily used to catch or stop short drives or mishits.

If you’re positioned here, you need sharp reflexes and thorough protective gear.

1h. Short Leg

Location: Close to the batsman on the leg side, around a 45-degree angle.
Role: This role is similar to silly point but on the leg side, catching bat-pad deflections, especially against spin bowlers.

Short leg fielders often wear helmets and external leg guards to protect themselves from the ball struck powerfully off the batsman’s pads.

1i. Silly Mid-On

Location: Close to the batsman, on the leg side but somewhat straighter than short leg.
Role: Like silly mid-off, the emphasis is on preventing short drives and taking quick catches.

These close-in positions are used primarily in Test cricket when attacking for wickets. In shorter formats, they’re often less common unless the fielding captain sees a specific opportunity.

Also See: Why Does a Cricket Ball Swing?

2. The Inner Ring

Beyond the close-in catchers lies the “inner ring,” which usually extends to about 30 yards from the batsman. The aim here is to cut off singles and force the batsman to make riskier shots. In limited-overs cricket (One Day Internationals or T20), a certain number of fielders must remain within this circle during powerplays, which can lead to innovative tactics.

2a. Point

Location: Square on the off side, approximately on the edge of the 30-yard circle.
Role: Stop cut shots and short square drives.

A point position fielder must be agile with a great sense of anticipation, as the ball often travels toward the point region off the batsman’s back foot shots.

2b. Backward Point

Location: Slightly behind square on the off side, near the edge of the 30-yard circle.
Role: Similar to point, but deals with finer cuts and edges that pass behind square.

Quick reflexes are crucial here because catches or cut shots can arrive at unexpected angles.

2c. Mid-Off

Location: Straight on the off side, typically around halfway between the batsman and the boundary.
Role: Prevent straight drives from reaching the boundary, cut off singles, and pick up potential catches if the drive is mistimed.

A mid-off fielder often has a strong throwing arm, as they might need to quickly relay the ball to the non-striker’s end for run-out attempts.

2d. Cover

Location: Between point and extra cover, in front of square on the off side.
Role: Stop drives on the off side and prevent the batsman from rotating the strike easily.

The cover position is pivotal in controlling scoring rates when the batsman favors off-drive shots.

2e. Extra Cover

Location: Further from the batsman but still on the off side, between cover and mid-off.
Role: Similar to cover, focusing on cutting off powerful drives and saving runs through diving stops.

Because many batsmen love the off-drive, “extra cover” is a critical fielding station for run containment.

2f. Mid-On

Location: On the leg side, mirroring mid-off.
Role: Designed to stop drives or flicks toward mid-wicket and to pick up potential catches if the batsman miscues.

Fielders at mid-on are often used by the captain to keep a close eye on the batsman’s footwork, preventing easy singles.

2g. Square Leg

Location: Square on the leg side, typically in line with the batting crease.
Role: Stop or catch pull shots, flicks, or sweeps heading to the leg side.

A strong and agile cricketer often occupies the square leg position, as they may have to run quickly for catches or to field ground shots.

2h. Backward Square Leg

Location: Slightly behind the square on the leg side.
Role: Contains leg-side shots hit finer than square leg.

Backward square leg is crucial for preventing boundaries, especially when batsmen execute sweeps or paddle shots.

2i. Mid-Wicket

Location: On the leg side, between mid-on and square leg.
Role: Plug the gap between mid-on and square leg, cutting off flicks, glances, or short drives.

Mid wicket is often busy in the shorter formats because batsmen frequently target that region for easy singles or boundaries.

2j. Fine Leg

Location: Behind square on the leg side, roughly at a 45-degree angle to the batsman.
Role: Collect edges or glances that run off the bat toward the boundary.

Fine leg fielders often sprint a lot and need accurate throwing arms because runs can come quickly in this region.

2k. Fly Slip

Location: Behind or slightly wider than the traditional slip cordon but still closer than the boundary.
Role: A somewhat unusual position used to catch finer edges or deflections that carry past the normal slip cordon.

A fly slip can be a secret weapon if a bowler and captain suspect the batsman might play an uncontrolled glide or edge over the slip cordon.

3. The Outfield

The outfield is the expansive area that extends from the 30-yard circle to the boundary rope. Positions here are used to stop boundaries, take high catches, and force the batsman to settle for fewer runs. With modern-day cricket featuring powerful hitters, outfielders must be extremely athletic, capable of covering large distances, and skilled at intercepting the ball near the rope.

3a. Third Man

Location: On the boundary on the off side, behind the wicket, typically around a 45-degree angle behind square.
Role: Prevent or catch edges that fly past the slips, especially from late cuts and thick outside edges.

The third man position is popular in limited-overs cricket to reduce easy boundaries behind the wicket.

3b. Deep Point

Location: On the off side boundary, square with the batsman.
Role: A defensive position to stop square cuts or slashes that might otherwise hit the ball to the boundary.

Deep point fielders require agility and strong throws, as they frequently must chase the ball to the rope.

3c. Deep Backward Point

Location: On the off side boundary, slightly behind square.
Role: Similar to deep point but placed further behind the square to stop high-risk cut shots and edges.

Batsmen who love to cut or guide the ball through the off side often find themselves confronted by a deep backward point fielder.

3d. Deep Cover

Location: On the off side boundary, in front of square.
Role: Stop booming cover drives and keep the scoring rate in check.

This is a critical position when batsmen repeatedly loft the ball over cover in search of boundaries.

3e. Deep Extra Cover

Location: Near the boundary, on the off side, between deep cover and long-off.
Role: Provide additional cover (no pun intended) to catch or intercept lofted off drives.

Positioned slightly straighter than deep cover, a deep extra cover fielder is vital when dealing with batsmen who excel at hitting inside-out shots over the infield.

3f. Long Off

Location: Toward the boundary, almost directly behind the bowler on the off side.
Role: Stop straight lofted shots (on the off side of the wicket) and quickly relay the ball back in for run-outs.

Long-off is one of the most common boundary positions in both Test and limited-overs cricket, especially when bowlers try to entice a straight drive.

3g. Deep Fine Leg

Location: On the boundary, behind square on the leg side.
Role: Pick up glances or flicks directed down the leg side that might otherwise race to the boundary.

A deep fine leg fielder must be ready to sprint large distances and produce accurate returns.

3h. Long Leg

Location: Next to deep fine leg on the boundary, behind square but at a slightly wider angle—around 60 degrees to the batsman.
Role: Cover the gap between deep fine leg and deep square leg, intercepting flicks or leg glances.

Long leg has to be vigilant when bowlers target a batsman’s pads, as leg-side shots often travel in that region.

3i. Deep Square Leg

Location: On the leg side boundary, square with the batsman.
Role: Prevent boundaries from pull shots, sweeps, or any shot the batsman targets deep into the leg side.

Deep square leg is crucial in the modern game, especially in T20 cricket, where powerful hitters love pulling the ball over mid-wicket or square leg.

3j. Deep Mid-Wicket

Location: On the boundary on the leg side, between deep square leg and long-on.
Role: Cut off lofted shots targeted between square leg and mid-on.

Batsmen often target the mid-wicket boundary for big hits; thus, having a reliable fielder at deep mid-wicket is essential.

3k. Cow Corner

Location: On the leg side boundary, behind the bowler at about a 45-degree angle, slightly straighter than deep mid-wicket.
Role: A colloquial term for a region that often sees big slog sweeps. The fielder’s job is to catch or stop the ball from crossing the boundary in this popular hitting zone.

Cow corner isn’t an official term in the Laws of Cricket, but it’s commonly used in casual and professional commentary.

3l. Long On

Location: On the boundary on the leg side, aligned almost straight with the bowler.
Role: Similar to long-off, but on the leg side. Stop straight hits and ensure the ball doesn’t cross the boundary.

A long on fielder must be quick on their feet and ready for steep catches, especially when batsmen try to clear the inner ring with powerful leg-side hits.

Protective Gear and Safety

Close-in fielders like short leg, silly point, and leg slip often require protective gear beyond standard cricket attire. Helmets with faceguards, external leg guards (extra padding), and sometimes chest or arm guards are critical to prevent injuries from high-speed balls. Even in the outfield, players can get injured diving at full stretch, so protective measures and proper technique are vital.

Strategic Considerations in Field Placements

Match Format: In Test cricket, captains might position more fielders in close catching spots to take wickets. In shorter formats (T20, ODI), the focus often shifts to preventing boundaries and controlling the run rate.
Bowler’s Style and Plan: A fast bowler who swings the ball away might have multiple slips, a gully, and a fly slip. A spinner who entices flicks on the leg side might prefer a short leg, leg slip, or square leg position.
Batsman’s Weakness: If a batsman struggles with short-pitched deliveries on the leg side, you might see a deep square leg, deep mid-wicket, and even a leg slip in place.
Pitch Conditions: On a bouncy pitch, slip fielders and gullies are valuable. On a slow, turning track, fielders around the bat on both the off and leg side become more significant.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Why do some fielders stand extremely close to the batsman?
A: Close-in fielders like short leg and silly point aim to catch quick bat-pad deflections or mis-hits. This tactic is especially common in Test matches where taking wickets is paramount.

Q: What does it mean when commentators talk about the “ring field”?
A: The “ring field” generally refers to fielders positioned within the 30 yards circle around the pitch, especially in limited-overs cricket. These players aim to stop singles and create pressure on the batsman.

Q: Can field placements change during an over?
A: Absolutely. Captains often reposition fielders ball-by-ball, reacting to how the batsman is playing and the bowler’s plan for that delivery.

Q: Is there a maximum limit to how many fielders can be placed in specific regions?
A: Yes, in limited-overs cricket, there are restrictions on how many fielders can be outside the 30-yard circle during different phases (powerplays vs. middle overs vs. death overs). There are also rules about how many fielders can be placed behind square on the leg side.

Q: Do outfielders need as much protection as close-in fielders?
A: While outfielders aren’t at as high a risk of being struck by a ball at close range, they do need to guard against diving injuries and collisions. Close-in positions near the batsman are more prone to ball impact, hence the use of helmets and additional gear.

Conclusion

Cricket is a tapestry of skill, tactics, and planning. No single element encapsulates these traits more than cricket fielding positions. From the fearless cricketers stationed just feet away in the close catching field—like silly point, short leg, or leg slip—to the athletic guardians patrolling the boundary (such as deep point, deep extra cover, deep square leg, and long on), every position serves a unique purpose.

Captains shuffle these positions to exploit a batsman’s weaknesses, adapt to bowler types, and respond to changing match conditions. A well-structured field not only chokes the batting side’s scoring options but also increases the likelihood of dismissals.

Whether you’re a player refining your field placement knowledge, a coach strategizing for an upcoming match, or an enthusiast looking to enhance your commentary experience, understanding these positions include the entire chessboard of cricket’s on-field battles. Keep these details in mind, and watch how the synergy between bowler, fielder, and captain can turn the outcome of a game in a matter of overs.

With this 2,000+ word comprehensive guide, you’re now equipped to identify, analyze, and appreciate the intricacies of each cricket fielding position. So the next time you watch a match or walk onto the field, you’ll not only know where everyone stands, but you’ll also understand exactly why they are standing there. It’s this dance of strategy and skill that truly makes cricket the gentleman’s game—and, for many, the greatest sport on Earth.

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Sources:

http://www.horsmondencc.co.uk/reference/fielding-positions/