The Slip Cordon — Cricket's Most Specialist Catching Unit
How the slip cordon works, what first, second, and third slip do differently, and how captains manage the cordon.
The slip cordon — the arc of fielders standing behind the batter on the off side — is cricket's most specialised catching unit. Set in the first session of a Test match on a pitch assisting pace or swing, the slip cordon can have three, four, or even five fielders arranged in a curve, each responsible for a slightly different ball height and trajectory. It is where some of cricket's most thrilling moments happen — the diving, one-handed, or reaction catch that ends a great batter's innings.
What Each Slip Does
First slip stands closest to the wicketkeeper and fields edges that barely miss the gloves — sharp, fast, low balls that travel very quickly. Second slip stands wider and a touch deeper, taking edges that carry further and may go wider of the keeper. Third slip is set wider still for late-cutting balls or when a bowler generates exceptional carry. Each position requires slightly different reflexes: first slip reacts to pace; third slip has more time but covers a wider arc.
How Captains Manage the Cordon
A Test captain will adjust the size and depth of the cordon based on pitch conditions, the bowler's type and angle, and the batter at the crease. An in-swinging bowler attacking the stumps does not need the same slip positions as an out-swinging bowler creating outside-edge opportunities. Against batters who play away from the body, a third or even fourth slip may be added. Against a batter who plays close to the body, the captain may remove a slip and add a mid-on instead.
The Mental Demands of Slip Fielding
Slip fielding requires sustained concentration across an entire session when many deliveries may not reach the cordon at all. The fielder must be alert for every ball — a moment of inattention is precisely when the edge arrives. Top slip fielders describe a state of active readiness rather than passive waiting: leaning slightly forward, weight on the balls of the feet, eyes tracking the ball from the bowler's hand through to the bat. Talking between deliveries helps maintain focus.
Slip Fielding in Different Formats
In Test cricket, the slip cordon can remain in place for extended periods. In ODIs, it is usually set for the first ten overs of each innings and then removed as the captain opens up the field to prevent boundaries. In T20 cricket, slips appear only occasionally — typically for the first one or two overs of an innings or when a particular batter has a known tendency to edge. The fielding restrictions in limited-overs formats make carrying a large cordon impractical.
Frequently asked questions
How many slips can a team have?
There is no rule limiting the number of slips — theoretically a team could stand five or six fielders there. In practice, four slips is extremely rare and only done in very specific conditions.
Does the wicketkeeper count as part of the slip cordon?
The wicketkeeper stands behind the stumps and coordinates with the slips, but is not technically a slip fielder. First slip is the first outfield catcher beyond the keeper.
What is a leg slip?
Leg slip is the mirror image of slip — positioned on the leg side behind the batter for catches off the inside edge or pad. It is much rarer than off-side slips.