Cover Fielding Position in Cricket — Where Cover Stands & Why
Cover is one of the most important off-side fielding positions, stationed to stop the drive through the off side and cut off singles and boundaries between point and mid-off. Learn where cover stands, how close or deep they should be, and what makes a great cover fielder.
Cover is an off-side fielding position stationed in the arc between point and mid-off, roughly 15–25 metres from the bat and at about 45 degrees from the line of the pitch. The primary role of the cover fielder is to stop or restrict the cover drive — one of cricket's most common attacking shots — and to prevent singles through that area of the field. In limited-overs cricket, the cover position is also a crucial boundary-prevention placement.
Cover vs extra cover vs point
These three positions occupy different areas of the off-side arc. Point stands squarest — at roughly 90 degrees to the pitch, almost beside the batsman. Cover stands more in front — around 45 degrees in front of the batting crease. Extra cover is between cover and mid-off — more in front of the batsman, protecting against straight-ish off-side drives. A captain who places all three positions is closing off most of the off-side arc, typically done against a batsman who is driving heavily through the covers.
Deep cover vs close cover
In Test cricket during a defensive phase, cover may be placed close to the bat to save singles and prevent easy rotation of strike. In T20 cricket, cover is almost always at the boundary during the death overs — a straight or lofted cover drive needs a boundary rider to cut it off. The distance of cover from the bat is one of the quickest visual indicators of whether a fielding captain is attacking or defending: close cover = attacking; deep cover = boundary defense.
What makes a great cover fielder
The cover position demands quick lateral movement, a fast low body position for ground fielding, and a powerful throwing arm — cover fielders are frequently called upon for direct-hit run-out attempts when the batsmen attempt a risky single. Ricky Ponting (Australia) was universally regarded as the finest cover fielder of the modern era, completing extraordinary one-handed diving stops and running batsmen out with direct hit throws from the covers. India's Ravindra Jadeja and New Zealand's Martin Guptill have also been outstanding in this area.
Frequently asked questions
Can cover be placed to stop a left-handed batsman's drive?
Yes, but the position shifts. A left-handed batsman's cover drive goes to what is the conventional on-side of the pitch — mid-wicket and wide mid-on — because off and on sides flip for left-handers. The fielder stationed on the left-hander's off side (what would be the on side for a right-hander) serves the same role as cover.
Is cover the same as cover point?
The terms are sometimes used interchangeably, but purists distinguish them: cover is slightly more in front (closer to mid-off) and cover point is slightly squarer (closer to point). The difference is small and varies by captain's preference and specific shot patterns from the batsman. In casual usage, 'cover' is often used to mean the entire off-side arc between point and mid-off.
What is silly cover?
Silly cover is a very close in-fielding position on the off side, placed close to the batsman (within a few metres). Like other 'silly' positions, it is used to catch pad-bat deflections when the ball is turning sharply into the right-hander from an off-spinner or left-arm spinner. It is rare and extremely high-risk for the fielder standing there.