Cover Fielding Position in Cricket: Stopping the Cover Drive
Cover is one of the most important off-side fielding positions in cricket, positioned to cut off the cover drive. Learn where cover stands, its variants, and why it features in almost every field setting.
Where Does Cover Field?
Cover stands roughly 30–35 degrees forward of square on the off side, between point and mid-off. It is one of the key fielding positions in all formats of cricket and is almost always occupied because the cover drive is one of the most-played shots in the game.
Cover Drive and the Cover Fielder
The cover drive is an elegant off-drive directed through the cover region. A well-placed cover fielder can prevent singles from turning into boundaries and occasionally dive for a catch when the shot is mistimed. The position requires speed, agility, and strong throwing ability for returns to the stumps.
Variants of Cover
- Extra cover: forward of cover, more toward mid-off
- Short cover: inside the 30-yard circle, aggressive catching position
- Deep cover: on the boundary, defensive boundary-saving position
- Cover point: blending point and cover, between the two standard positions
Why Cover Is Always Occupied
Most batting line-ups have several right-handers who favour the cover drive. Even when a captain wants an attacking field, a single fielder in the cover region is standard. Removing cover entirely gives batters a free boundary option on the off side.
Frequently asked questions
What is extra cover in cricket?
Extra cover stands slightly straighter than cover — closer to mid-off — and fields deliveries driven straighter on the off side. It is common in Test cricket to have both cover and extra cover positioned.
Is cover always in the same position?
No. The exact angle of cover shifts based on the batter's tendencies and the bowler's line. A right-arm over-the-wicket bowler draws different shot angles than an around-the-wicket one.