Learn about all the different cricket fielding positions and how they have changed over time. Find out how these positions got their unique names too.
Fielding Positions in Cricket: A Brief Overview
In cricket, there are many fielding positions, each with a specific purpose. In earlier times, fielders were placed in traditional positions, making it easy for batters to exploit gaps. Today, fielding strategies are much more scientific, requiring players to be physically fit and trained for specific roles. Players might specialize in positions that demand quick reflexes, like slips, or in areas where height and awareness are crucial, like near the boundary.
Below, you’ll find a list of all the basic and advanced fielding positions in cricket, from the wicketkeeper to positions like mid-wicket and fine leg.
Basic Fielding Positions in Cricket
- Wicketkeeper
- Third Man
- Slips
- Gully
- Point
- Cover
- Mid-Off
- Mid-On
- Mid-Wicket
- Square Leg
- Fine Leg
- Short Leg (Bat Pad)
Advanced or Modified Fielding Positions
- Short Third Man
- Extra Cover
- Forward Short Leg
- Deep Backward Point
- Deep Point
- Deep Extra Cover (Sweeper)
- Deep Cover (Sweeper)
- Long-Off
- Long-On
- Deep Mid-Wicket
- Deep Forward Square-Leg
- Deep Square Leg
- Backward Square Leg
- Deep Backward Square Leg
- Leg Slip
- Short Fine Leg
How Cricket Fielding Positions Got Their Names
The names of cricket fielding positions are interesting. Early game makers named these positions using polar coordinates, with the batter as the central point. Terms like “cover,” “leg,” and “mid-wicket” represent different angles from the batter. Meanwhile, terms like “silly,” “long,” and “deep” refer to how far the position is from the batter.
It’s worth noting that most fielding positions were named with right-handed batters in mind. Although cricket has had many great left-handers, the early top batters were mainly right-handed, leading to fielding strategies tailored for them.
The fielding position terms also provide direct meanings:
- Leg: Refers to the leg side of the batter.
- On and Off: Represents the two sides of the pitch from the batter’s perspective.
The distances are often described as:
- Silly: Very close to the batter.
- Mid: A mid-point between the batter and the boundary.
- Long/Deep: Far from the batter, near the boundary.
- Short: Closer than mid but not as close as “silly.”
Fielding angles also have descriptive names:
- Fine: Angled directly behind the batter, close to the wicket.
- Square: In line with the batter, extending from the popping crease.
- Backward: Positioned behind the batter.
- Forward: Positioned ahead of the batter.
- Wide: Away from the center line of the pitch.
Understanding the Fielding Areas in Cricket
Before diving into specific fielding positions, it’s important to understand that the cricket field is divided into three main areas:
- Close Infield: A circle 10-15 yards around the batter, meant to stop singles and take catches.
- Inner Ring: A 30-yard circle used for field restrictions in ODIs and T20Is.
- Outfield: Everything between the inner ring and the boundary.
Wicketkeeper
The wicketkeeper stands directly behind the stumps. They may stand close to the stumps when a spinner is bowling or further back for a fast bowler. A good wicketkeeper requires excellent hand-eye coordination, agility, and strong reflexes.
Slips
Slip fielders are positioned on the off-side of the batter, aiming to catch edges. Typically, there are up to four slip fielders placed diagonally behind the wicketkeeper. Their distance depends on the bowler’s speed. A leg slip is a rarer position, used mostly when spinners bowl.
Third Man
The third man is a common position in limited-overs cricket. Placed to prevent boundaries from cut shots, they stand at the edge of the outfield, directly behind slip fielders.
Gully
The gully stands between the slip fielders and point, positioned closer to catch balls that get edged. It is a crucial position to dismiss batters who are new at the crease. A leg gully is similar but placed on the leg side.
Point
The point fielder stands at the same line as the batter, on the offside. This position is essential for stopping singles and executing run-outs. A backward point stands a few yards behind the regular point, useful for players adept at playing the cut shot.
Cover
The cover fielder stands around a 45-degree angle to the batter, slightly behind point. The extra cover position is between cover and mid-off, depending on the batter’s strength.
Mid-Off & Mid-On
The mid-off position is on the offside, typically in line with the bowler’s run-up. The mid-on is the same position but on the leg side. Both are used to prevent singles.
Mid-Wicket
Mid-wicket is on the leg side, near the edge of the inner ring. It is a crucial position for stopping powerful shots like pulls and flicks.
Square Leg
The square leg fielder stands directly in line with the batter and stumps on the leg side. They are well-placed to stop shots like the hook, sweep, or pull.
Fine Leg
The fine leg is on the leg side near the boundary, typically at the edge of the inner circle. This position is used to prevent runs from shots that go fine off the bat.
Short Leg
Short leg is the opposite of silly point but positioned on the leg side. It’s used for catching any mistimed shots. Fielders in this position are usually well-padded for protection.
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