Common Cricket Fielding Positions
Cricket, a sport that originated in England in the 16th century, is now played worldwide. It is a sport that involves a lot of skills, such as batting, bowling, and fielding. While batting and bowling are the two main aspects of the game, fielding is equally essential. It is a crucial part of the game that can change the course of the match.
Fielding requires players to be quick, agile, and have a good sense of positioning. Cricket fielding positions are specific areas on the field where fielders are placed to prevent the batsmen from scoring runs. Each position has its importance and requires specific skills.
Cricket Fielding Positions
1. Slip
The slip is a position behind the wicketkeeper on the offside. It is a crucial position as it is responsible for catching the ball if it edges off the bat. Slip fielders are usually the most agile and skilled fielders on the team.
2. Gully
The gully is positioned between the slips and the point on the offside. The gully fielder is responsible for catching any edges not caught by the slips. This position requires quick reflexes and good hand-eye coordination.
3. Point
The point is a position on the offside, just behind the batsman. The point fielder is responsible for stopping any balls hit straight or square of the wicket on the offside. This position requires quick reflexes and good fielding skills.
4. Cover
The cover is on the offside, between the point and mid-off. The cover fielder is responsible for stopping any balls hit straight or square of the wicket on the offside. This position requires good fielding skills and the ability to cover a lot of ground quickly.
5. Mid-off
The mid-off is a position on the onside, halfway between the bowler and the batsman. The mid-off fielder is responsible for stopping any balls hit straight down the ground on the onside. This position requires good fielding skills and the ability to cover much ground quickly.
6. Mid-on
The mid-on position is on the inside, halfway between the bowler and the batsman. The primary role of the mid-on fielder is to stop any balls hit straight down the ground on the onside. This position demands excellent fielding skills and the ability to quickly cover a lot of ground.
7. Long-off
The long-off is a position on the inside, near the boundary. The long-off fielder stops any balls hit over the bowler’s head. This position requires good fielding skills and the ability to cover a lot of ground quickly.
8. Long-on
The long-on is a position on the inside, near the boundary. The long-on fielder stops any balls hit over the bowler’s head. This position requires good fielding skills and the ability to cover a lot of ground quickly.
9. Deep square leg
The deep square leg is positioned on the inside, near the boundary. The deep square leg fielder is responsible for stopping any balls hit behind square on the onside. This position requires good fielding skills and the ability to cover much ground quickly.
10. Fine leg
The fine leg is positioned on the inside, near the boundary. The fine-leg fielder is responsible for stopping any balls hit down the leg side. This position requires good fielding skills and the ability to cover much ground quickly.
11. Square leg
The square leg is a position between the umpire and the batsman on the inside. The square leg fielder is responsible for stopping any balls hit square of the wicket on the onside. This position requires good fielding skills and the ability to react quickly.
12. Third man
The third man is positioned on the offside, near the boundary. The third-man fielder stops any balls hit behind square on the offside. This position requires good fielding skills and the ability to cover a lot of ground quickly.
13. Cover point
The cover point is a position on the offside, between the point and the cover. The cover point fielder is responsible for stopping any balls hit square of the wicket on the offside. This position requires good fielding skills and the ability to cover much ground quickly.
14. Deep cover
The deep cover is a position on the offside, near the boundary. The deep cover fielder is responsible for stopping any balls hit behind cover on the offside. This position requires good fielding skills and the ability to cover much ground quickly.
15. Silly point
The silly point is a position close to the batsman, on the offside. The silly point fielder is responsible for stopping any balls hit straight or square of the wicket on the offside. This position requires quick reflexes and the ability to anticipate the ball.
| Position | Description |
| Slip | Positioned behind the batsman’s wicket on the offside, slips are responsible for catching edges from the batsman’s bat. |
| Point | Positioned on the offside, behind the batsman and close to the boundary, point fielders are responsible for catching balls hit in the area between cover and backward point. |
| Cover | Positioned on the offside, between point and mid-off, the cover fielder is responsible for stopping the ball hit through the offside. |
| Mid-off | Positioned on the onside, halfway between the bowler and the batsman, mid-off is responsible for stopping any straight drives hit by the batsman. |
| Mid-on | Positioned on the onside, halfway between the bowler and the batsman, the mid-on fielder is responsible for stopping any balls hit straight down the ground on the onside. |
| Mid-wicket | Positioned on the onside, halfway between mid-on and mid-wicket, the mid-wicket fielder is responsible for stopping the ball hit towards the onside. |
| Long-on | Positioned on the boundary line on the onside, long-on is responsible for stopping the ball hit straight down the ground on the onside. |
| Long-off | Positioned on the boundary line on the offside, long-off is responsible for stopping the ball hit straight down the ground on the offside. |
| Square leg | Positioned on the onside, behind the batsman’s legs and close to the boundary, square leg is responsible for stopping balls hit towards the leg side. |
| Fine leg | Positioned on the boundary line on the leg side, fine leg is responsible for stopping balls hit towards the leg side, behind the batsman. |
| Position | Description |
| Third man | Positioned on the boundary line on the offside, deeper than a point, deep point is responsible for stopping balls hit towards the offside, behind the batsman. |
| Gully | Positioned very close to the batsman on the leg side, the short leg is responsible for catching balls that are hit with an edge or played softly by the batsman. |
| Silly point | Positioned on the boundary line on the offside, behind the slip cordon, the third man is responsible for stopping edges that fly past the slips and for stopping balls hit towards the offside, behind the batsman. |
| Short leg | Positioned very close to the batsman on the offside, silly point is responsible for catching balls that are hit with an edge or played softly by the batsman. |
| Deep point | Positioned on the boundary line on the offside, deeper than point, deep point is responsible for stopping balls hit towards the offside, behind the batsman. |
| Deep square leg | Positioned on the boundary line on the leg side, deeper than square leg, deep square leg is responsible for stopping balls hit towards the leg side, behind the batsman. |
| Fine leg (deep) | Positioned on the boundary line on the leg side, deeper than fine leg, deep fine leg is responsible for stopping balls hit towards the leg side, behind the batsman. |
| Cow corner | Positioned on the boundary line on the onside, between deep mid-wicket and long-on, cow corner is responsible for stopping balls hit towards the onside, between deep mid-wicket and long-on. |
Cricket fielding positions chart
Mid-off Mid-on
| |
Cover Point Square leg
\ | /
\ | /
\ | /
Extra Cover
|
Long-off
/ \
/ \
Long-on Mid-wicket
| |
Deep mid-wicket
|
Deep square leg
|
Fine leg
Basics Of The Cricket Field
Regarding cricket fielding positions, the field can be divided into three parts for better understanding. These parts include:
1. The Close Catching Infield – This area comprises the fielders who stand closest to the batsman, usually within 15 yards or closer. These positions are crucial for catching the ball hit by the batsman with less power. The smallest circle in the center of the cricket field diagram represents the close-catching infield.
2. The Inner Ring – This area includes fielders who aim to stop the batsmen from scoring singles. They usually stand up to 30 yards away from the batsman. Fielders in this area must maintain a balanced position and stay on their toes to move quickly toward the ball if it is hit toward them. The second smallest circle in the cricket field diagram represents the inner ring.
3. The Outfield – This zone comprises all other areas on the cricket field until the boundary on all sides of the wicket. Fielders placed in this zone aim to stop the batsman from hitting the ball for boundaries. The largest circle in the cricket field diagram represents the outfield.
Understanding the different cricket fielding positions is crucial for the players to strategize their gameplay and execute their plan effectively. The close-in positions, inner ring, and outfield positions are all essential in their own ways to prevent the batting team from scoring runs and taking wickets.
Moreover, it is also essential to understand the basic features and markings of the cricket field, such as the pitch, creases, boundary, and fielding circle, to play the game correctly. The wickets, sight screen, scoreboard, and pavilion are also essential features of the cricket field that contribute to the game’s overall experience.
Importance of Fielding Positions
Each fielding position is strategically placed to prevent the batsman from scoring runs. A well-positioned fielder can save runs and put pressure on the batsman. Here are some reasons why fielding positions are essential:
– Fielding positions are strategically placed to prevent the batsman from scoring runs.
– A well-positioned fielder can save runs and put pressure on the batsman.
– Fielding positions are crucial in a game of cricket as they can change the course of the match.
– Good fielding can also lift the team’s morale and put pressure on the opposition.
The Dimensions of the Cricket Field
The cricket field is an oval-shaped ground with a rectangular pitch. The field’s dimensions can vary, but it is typically around 150 meters long and 130 meters wide. The rectangular pitch is 22 yards long and 10 feet wide.
The Markings on the Cricket Field
Several markings on the cricket field help the players and umpires make decisions during the game. Here are some of the critical markings on the cricket field:
The pitch is the rectangular strip in the middle of the cricket field where the bowler delivers the ball to the batsman. It is 22 yards long and 10 feet wide, marked with white lines.
Creases: The pitch has two creases, one at each end. The bowling crease is where the bowler delivers the ball, and the popping crease is where the batsman stands.
The boundary is the field’s edge, usually marked with a rope or fence. If the ball crosses the boundary, it is considered a boundary and awarded four runs.
The fielding circle has a radius of 30 yards around the pitch. Only two fielders are allowed outside the fielding circle during the first six overs of the innings.
Other Features of the Cricket Field
Apart from the markings, players and spectators should know several other essential features of the cricket field: The wickets are the three stumps and two bails at each end of the pitch. The bowler aims to hit the wickets and dislodge the bails to get the batsman out.
The sight screen: The sight screen is a large, white screen behind the bowler’s arm that helps the batsman see the ball better.
The scoreboard: The scoreboard displays the score and other important information, such as the number of overs bowled and wickets taken.
The pavilion is the building near the cricket field where the players and officials can rest and prepare for the game.
FAQs
A. Fielders can change positions during the match per the team’s strategy.
A. In limited-overs cricket, only 4 fielders are allowed outside the 30-yard circle during non-powerplay overs, while in powerplay overs, 5 fielders are allowed outside the circle.
A. No, a fielder cannot catch the ball after it has touched the ground.
Conclusion
Fielding is an essential part of cricket, and fielding positions are strategically placed to prevent the batsman from scoring runs. Each fielding position requires specific skills and abilities, and a well-positioned fielder can save runs and put pressure on the batsman. Understanding the different cricket fielding positions and their importance is crucial for any cricket enthusiast or player. Using the information provided in this article, you can become a better player or spectator of this beautiful sport.
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