Backward Point Fielding in Cricket Explained
What backward point is, where it stands, and why it is one of the most heavily used off-side positions in modern cricket.
Where Is Backward Point?
Backward point stands just behind square on the off side — slightly behind the 90° line of the stumps, roughly 20–30 metres from the bat. It sits between point (square) and gully (well behind square). The 'backward' prefix indicates the position is behind the line of the popping crease, while regular point is square or slightly forward.
Why Backward Point Exists
Cut shots from right-handed batters often travel slightly behind square rather than perfectly square. A regular point positioned squarely cannot reach a ball that drifts two or three metres behind the line. Backward point plugs that gap. The position is set deliberately when a bowler attacks the outside edge with short-of-length deliveries that invite the cut, generating catches or limiting the four behind point.
- Cuts that fly slightly behind square — the most common backward-point chance
- Sliced drives off short-pitched balls at height between waist and chest
- Deflections from the inner edge or glove area backward of square
- Intentional run-saving from wide, late-cutting right-handers
Backward Point vs Gully
Gully is positioned between 45°–60° behind square and is usually closer to the bat — within 15 metres — and set specifically for thick outside edges from pace bowling. Backward point is broader, covering the zone around 70°–85° behind square, and can be positioned 20–35 metres from the bat depending on the batter's cut-shot range. Both positions can merge into a single 'wide gully' or 'deep backward point' on flat pitches.
Frequently asked questions
Is backward point the same as gully?
Not exactly. Backward point is more square (closer to 90°) than gully. The two positions overlap in terminology on some grounds, but strict fielding nomenclature keeps them distinct.
Does backward point appear in T20 cricket?
Yes — it is very common in T20 power-plays as one of the two permitted inner-ring off-side positions, covering the cut shot and the late slash behind square.
Can backward point take a catch or is it mainly a saving position?
Both. It saves the cut-shot boundary and takes catches off thick edges, top-edges on cuts, and slashed drives. Some of the most spectacular catches in T20 cricket come from backward point.