Cricket is often said to be a game of fine margins — a bat’s edge, a leaking boundary, a sharp reflex in the dive. While batting and bowling grab most of the attention, fielding is the silent hero. Great fielding can save dozens of runs per innings, create wickets through catches or run‑outs, and change the momentum.
If you’re a beginner or someone who wants clarity on fielding positions in cricket, this guide is for you. We’ll walk you through cricket fielding positions, explain cricket field positions in clear language, show how captains decide placements, and include simple tips to get you sharper in the field. By the end, terms like “deep midwicket” or “silly point” won’t be confusing — they’ll be part of your fielding vocabulary.
What Are Fielding Positions in Cricket?
A fielding position (or cricket field position) is a named spot on the cricket field where a fielder is placed. These names help the captain communicate where teammates should stand. In any match, fielders shift dynamically based on strategy, bowler type, batter’s style, and match situation.
You’ll often hear commentary like “move the fielder to deep cover” or “bring in the slips.” To the uninitiated, those words may sound bizarre — but every term describes a specific spot relative to the batter, pitch, and boundary.
Broadly, cricket fielding positions group into:
- Close‑in / catching positions
- Infield positions
- Outfield (boundary) positions
- Behind the wicket positions
- Rare or special tactical positions
We’ll explore each group, naming the key spots, their roles, and when they’re used.
Why Cricket Fielding Positions Matter?
Before jumping into the names, it’s worth pausing to understand why these positions matter:
- Control the boundary threat: In limited‑overs cricket especially, batters aim to hit big. Smart field placement in the outfield can cut off boundaries or convert lofted shots into catches.
- Encourage mistakes: Close‑in fielders pressure the batter, increasing chances of mis‑timed shots or edges.
- Support bowlers’ plans: Fielding positions are often matched to what a bowler hopes the batter will do (drive, cut, sweep, etc.).
- Run suppression & run‑outs: Infielders close to the pitch help to block quick singles and support accurate throws to the stumps.
- Flexibility & adaptability: As conditions or opposition tactics change (e.g. pitch, lighting, batter form), shifting fielders is essential.
Without strategic fielding positions, even a strong bowling attack becomes vulnerable — batters will repeatedly exploit gaps.
How Fielding Positions Are Named & Classified?
To decode all those names, it helps to know the logic behind them:
- Distance descriptors: “Silly”, “Short”, “Mid”, “Long”, “Deep” indicate how close or far from the batter.
- Angular descriptors: “Forward”, “Backward”, “Square”, “Wide” tell you direction relative to the pitch and the batter.
- Side of the wicket: Some names imply the off side vs leg (on) side — e.g. “cover” is off side, “square leg” is leg side.
- Modifiers: Terms like “extra”, “deep”, “backward”, “forward” add specificity (e.g. “deep cover”, “backward square leg”).
Also, visualize the cricket field like a clock: the batter is at the centre.
- 12 o’clock = straight off the bat (long on / long off)
- 3 o’clock = off side (point, cover, third man)
- 9 o’clock = leg side (square leg, fine leg)
Using that mental map helps in locating each cricket fielding position intuitively.
Close‑In / Catching Positions
These fielders are placed very close to the batter, primarily to catch mis‑hits, edges, or deflections. They’re high risk, high reward and require courage, quick reflexes, and soft hands.
Slip (First Slip, Second Slip, etc.)
Slips are behind the batter on the off side, next to the wicketkeeper, waiting to catch edges off the bat. Teams often use multiple slips (first slip, second slip, etc.) depending on how aggressive they want to be. The farther from the bat, the slower the reflex margin, so placement depends on how fast or swinging the pitch is.
Gully
Between the slips and point, gully fields squarer edges that fly wide of slips. It’s a good place for more activity on the off side.
Leg Slip / Leg Gully
These mirror slip/gully but on the leg side. They’re less common (because edges toward leg side are rarer) but useful especially when a batter is strong on his leg side.
Silly Point
Right beside the batter, on the off side, often within a few meters. This is aggressive — the fielder is waiting for a mis‑timed defensive shot or inside edge.
Short Leg / Forward Short Leg
Positioned on the leg side, close to the batter, often under a helmet. Used largely against spin bowling, aiming to catch flicks or gloved deflections off pad or bat.
Silly Mid-Off / Silly Mid-On
These are straight, close positions but very near the bat. They’re used when bowlers hope for a driving mistake.
Because of the risk, these positions are used selectively (often in Tests or spin attacks) rather than in every match.
Infield Positions (Inside the Circle)
These fielders operate inside the 30‑yard (or similar) circle in limited-overs formats. Their job is to stop quick singles, intercept drives, and back up throws.
Off‑Side Infielders
- Point: Square on the off side. One of the busiest positions — intercepts cuts and square drives.
- Backward Point: Slightly behind the line of the crease on the off side.
- Cover / Extra Cover: Between point and mid-off — stops cover drives and sometimes is a catching threat.
- Mid-Off: Straight on the off side, near the bowler line, guarding straight drives.
Leg‑Side Infielders
- Mid-On: The leg side mirror of mid-off, stopping straight drives.
- Midwicket: Between mid-on and square leg, often fields flicks, sweeps, or leg drives.
- Square Leg: Directly to the side of the batter on the leg side, covers sweeps or flicks.
- Backward Square Leg: Just behind square on leg side.
- Short Fine Leg / Leg Gully: Closer in on the leg side, used when expecting defensive glances or fine edges.
These infielders are crucial in one-day and T20 matches because they can greatly limit the batter’s ability to rotate strike.
Outfield / Boundary Positions
Outfielders are placed deep, near the boundary, aiming to catch lofted shots or stop fours and sixes. In modern cricket, many matches are won or lost by how well the outfielders perform.
Some common outfield spots:
- Deep Cover / Deep Extra Cover: On the off side boundary, backing up cover drives.
- Deep Midwicket: On leg side boundary area, a hotspot for big slog shots.
- Long On / Long Off: Straight down the ground, often guarding straight sixes.
- Cow Corner: Deep mid-on / midwicket leg side — a favourite target in T20s. (The name originates from rural “cow shots” in village cricket)
- Deep Square Leg: On leg side boundary, behind square.
- Deep Backward Square Leg / Deep Fine Leg: Behind the wicket on the leg side, handling glances or edges.
- Third Man / Deep Third Man: Behind slip on the off side boundary, handling edges that fly over the slip cordon.
- Deep Backward Point / Deep Point: On off side boundary behind point.
Outfielders need speed, diving ability, strong arms, and confidence to go full stretch for catches.
Behind the Wicket / Rear Positions
These fielders are behind or close to the wicket, focusing on edges and stumpings.
- Wicketkeeper: The only fielder allowed to wear gloves and external pads. The keeper stands behind the stumps and is central to catches, stumpings, run-outs.
- First Slip, Second Slip, etc.: As discussed under close positions.
- Fly Slip: A deeper slip, between third man and regular slip, particularly used if the ball is flying off edges.
- Leg Slip / Leg Gully (again)
- Short Third Man: Closer behind the slip cordon on the off side, intercepting fine edges.
- Backward Gully / Deep Gully: Further back after gully.
These positions serve as the first line to catch edges or dig out high‑speed mis‑timed shots.
Rare / Tactical / Unusual Fielding Positions
Beyond the “standard” list, captains sometimes employ exotic positions to surprise the batter or adjust to conditions. Examples:
- Long Stop: Behind the wicketkeeper, used occasionally in lower-level matches.
- Ravine: A tricky position between gully and third man.
- 45 / Leg 45: On leg side, between square leg and short fine leg, often used for deflections or glances.
- Straight Hit: Deep on the line of the stumps, used when batters target straight sixes.
- Short Third Man: Very close behind slip on off side.
- Forward Short Leg / Forward Short Third Man: Variations closer in.
These are context‑driven and are not part of every captain’s regular vocabulary. But knowing them expands your grasp of fielding position flexibility.
Typical Fielding Setups: Examples
To make this more concrete, here are three common scenarios and how fielding positions adjust.
Fast Bowler, New Ball (e.g. Test cricket)
- Wicketkeeper
- 3 Slips + Gully
- Point
- Mid Off, Mid On
- Third Man
- Fine Leg
This is an attacking field, expecting edges and pace movement.
Spinner or Middle Overs (ODI)
- Wicketkeeper
- 1 Slip
- Silly Point / Short Leg
- Point, Cover, Mid Off / Mid On
- Square Leg, Midwicket
- Deep Cover, Deep Midwicket
Here, close positions are emphasized for catching opportunities off spin, while some boundary fielders guard the edges.
Death Overs in T20
- Wicketkeeper
- Third Man
- Deep Cover
- Deep Extra Cover
- Deep Midwicket
- Long On, Long Off
- Deep Square Leg
The focus is boundary protection and maximizing catch opportunity on lofted shots.
How Captains Decide Fielding Positions?
A captain doesn’t place fielders blindly. Good captains balance multiple factors:
- Batter’s strengths and weaknesses (e.g., strong through cover or leg side)
- Bowling style (pace, spin, swing, seam)
- Pitch & ground conditions (e.g. extra bounce, turn)
- Match format & phase (powerplay, middle overs, death overs)
- Risk vs reward: How aggressive or defensive to be
- Adjustments during the match: shifting positions mid‑over based on batter’s behavior
For example, if a batter is flicking well to leg side, the captain may bring in a deep midwicket or a forward short leg. Or if the pitch is seaming around, more slips and gully might come into play.
A good fielding plan supports the bowler’s intention while covering likely scoring areas.
Strengths & Weaknesses of Fielding Positions in Cricket
Like any strategy, field placement has pros and cons:
Pros
- Reinforces bowling plans
- Limits boundaries and controls run flow
- Creates catching opportunities
- Puts pressure on batters
- Adapts to match conditions
Cons
- Over-attack fields leave gaps for easy singles
- Poor or inexperienced fielders in key spots may drop chances
- Shifting fielders mid-over takes time and can lead to confusion
- Unfamiliar positions might cause miscommunication
The best captains balance aggression with caution, and trust their fielders to execute.
Tips to Learn and Remember Cricket Fielding Positions
- Visual mapping: Use the clock analogy (12 o’clock, 3, 9) to place yourself mentally.
- Start with core positions: point, cover, mid-off, mid-on, square leg, third man, slips, wicketkeeper — these are used in almost every match.
- Watch matches actively: When a commentator says “deep cover”, try to visualize where that would be.
- Field practice rotation: In nets/sessions, rotate through different positions so you physically experience them.
- Use mnemonic or flashcards: For example, “Slip, Gully, Point, Cover, Mid Off → Off side chain”
- Communicate on the field: Always ask, “which cover” or “how deep” — terminology becomes clearer with usage.
- Start with modified names: “Deep midwicket”, “backward square” — once comfortable, internalize the main term.
Fielding Restrictions and Rules (Made Simple)
While fielding adds flexibility and creativity to cricket, it also comes with some important rules that players must follow. These fielding restrictions help maintain balance between bat and ball, prevent unfair advantages, and shape match tactics — especially in limited-overs cricket.
Here’s a simplified breakdown of the key fielding rules and restrictions every player and fan should understand:
No More Than 2 Fielders Behind Square on the Leg Side
- Applies in all formats — Tests, ODIs, and T20s
- At any time, no more than 2 fielders can be placed behind the batter on the leg side (e.g. fine leg, square leg, leg slip)
- This prevents “crowding” or trapping a batter unfairly
- Breaking this rule = No ball penalty
Tip: Learn to identify leg-side fielders quickly, especially during setup — it’s a common mistake in amateur games!
Powerplay Rules (Limited-Overs Formats)
Powerplays restrict how many fielders can be outside the 30-yard circle — encouraging aggressive batting early on and strategic fielding later.
In T20 Cricket:
- First 6 overs = Only 2 fielders allowed outside the circle
- Overs 7–20 = Maximum 5 fielders allowed outside
In ODI Cricket:
- First 10 overs = Powerplay 1 (2 fielders outside)
- Overs 11–40 = Powerplay 2 (4 fielders outside)
- Overs 41–50 = Powerplay 3 (5 fielders outside)
These powerplays make the early overs more exciting and force captains to be strategic with their cricket fielding positions.
Maximum 5 Fielders on the Leg Side
- No more than 5 total fielders can be on the leg side — at any point during the innings
- Prevents “overloading” one side of the field
- This rule applies in all formats and ensures fair spacing
- Violating it = No ball
Common beginner mistake: having 6 fielders on the leg side when setting a defensive field — always count carefully.
Movement Restriction During Delivery
- Fielders can move before the bowler starts their run-up
- Once the bowler enters the delivery stride, fielders must stay in position
- Unfair movement during delivery = Dead ball or penalty runs awarded
- Exception: The wicketkeeper can move slightly in line with the ball, but not forward
This rule prevents distraction and ensures fairness to the batter.
Test Match Flexibility: No Fielding Restrictions
- In Test matches, there are no powerplays and no fielder limits outside the circle
- Captains have full freedom to place fielders anywhere (except for the 2-behind-square rule)
- This allows highly creative field setups — 5 slips, silly point, leg gully, etc.
- Field placements change frequently based on batter behavior, pitch conditions, and game situation
That’s why Tests often feature more unique or aggressive fielding positions in cricket than limited-overs formats.
Other Key Fielding Rules You Should Know
- No foreign objects (like helmets, gloves, hats) can be used intentionally to stop the ball
- If this happens, the batting team is awarded 5 penalty runs
- Only one wicketkeeper is allowed on the field at a time
- Substitute fielders can:
- Field anywhere (but cannot bowl or officially keep wicket)
- Act as a wicketkeeper only if the original keeper is injured or off the field with permission
- Fake fielding (pretending to collect the ball to mislead the batter) is penalized under Law 41 — can result in 5 penalty runs
Quick Summary: Fielding Restriction Checklist
| Rule | Applies In | Penalty |
| Max 2 behind square on leg side | All formats | No ball |
| Powerplay overs limit fielders outside circle | ODIs, T20s | No ball |
| Max 5 fielders on leg side | All formats | No ball |
| No movement after bowler begins stride | All formats | Dead ball / Penalty |
| No illegal use of equipment | All formats | 5 penalty runs |
| 1 Wicketkeeper only | All formats | Illegal setup |
| Subs can’t bowl or keep (unless injury) | All formats | Allowed if justified |
Practice Drills & Tips for Fielders
To master fielding in any position, here are a few drills and habits to build:
- Slip catching drills: Use soft tennis balls at low speed to practice hand‑eye reflexes.
- Ground fielding circuits: Collect grounders from both sides and throw at the stumps quickly.
- Boundary catch simulation: Have someone hit high catches near the rope so you practice judging trajectory.
- Throwing accuracy drills: Place targets on the stumps; practice hitting them from different distances.
- Agility & movement: Ladder drills, side‑shuffles, quick low dives — to improve feet and balance.
- Mirror fielding in nets: If you’re not bowling, field all balls in practice and rotate positions.
- Communication practice: Always call “mine” or “yours” loud and clear to avoid confusion.
Also, fielders should constantly observe the batter’s stance, foot movement, and shot intent — because anticipation is as important as physical skill.
Sample Field Diagrams (Mental Visualization)
Here’s a simplified mental layout (imagine the batter at centre):
- Off side (right-hand batter): Slip → Gully → Point → Cover / Extra Cover → Mid Off → Long Off
- Leg side (left-hand side from bowler’s view): Square Leg → Midwicket → Mid On → Long On / Cow Corner → Deep Square / Deep Fine Leg
- Behind: Wicketkeeper → Third Man → Deep Third Man
If a captain says “move the cover inward” — he means shift the fielder between cover and mid-off closer to the inner circle.
If he says “go deep midwicket” — place that fielder near boundary, roughly behind square leg but toward midwicket axis.
Summary & Final Thoughts
Understanding fielding positions in cricket is essential for anyone wanting to follow or play the game intelligently. The terminology might seem overwhelming at first, but once you break it into categories (close, infield, outfield, behind wicket, rare positions), it becomes manageable.
Here’s your roadmap:
- Start with core positions: point, cover, mid-off, mid-on, slip, wicketkeeper
- Visualize the field using the clock analogy
- Use modifiers (short, deep, backward) to refine positions
- Watch live matches or streams: try to map where fielders stand
- Rotate through positions in practice — don’t stick to one spot forever
- Communicate constantly on field — using precise names builds muscle memory
Fielding is often underappreciated, but in many games, a spectacular catch or a quick run-out turns the tide. The more comfortable you are with cricket fielding positions, the more you can focus on execution — diving, throwing, catching — instead of guessing where to stand.
If you like, I can also prepare a printable fielding‑positions infographic you can share with your team or students, or a cheat sheet of positions by bowler type. Do you want me to create that for you?
FAQs
What are the main fielding positions in cricket?
The key ones are wicketkeeper, slip(s), gully, point, cover, mid-off, mid-on, square leg, midwicket, third man, long on/off, deep cover, deep midwicket, etc.
How many fielding positions are there?
There’s no fixed number — dozens of named spots exist. But commonly 20–30 are in active use depending on format.
What position should a beginner aim for?
Start in the infield (point, cover, mid-off/mid-on) where you can engage with the game and gradually move to boundary or slip positions when confidence grows.
Why is “cow corner” called that?
It refers to the deep leg side region between midwicket and long on, often hit through wild, lofted shots known as “cow shots.”
Can fielders move after the bowler starts running?
No, once the bowler begins the delivery stride, fielders must remain fixed.
What is illegal fielding?
Violating restrictions like having more than two fielders behind square on the leg side (in limited overs), or making unfair positioning adjustments during the delivery.
How to memorise tricky positions like “backward square leg” or “forward short third man”?
Break them down: “backward” means behind the batter’s square line, “square leg” is on leg side. Combining angle + distance helps.
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