Setting the Inswing Field: Trapping the LBW and Caught-Behind
How fielding captains set their field specifically for an inswing bowler targeting right-handed batsmen — the catching positions that target the specific dismissal modes of inswing (LBW, bowled, caught-behind from an inside edge), why inswing fields look different from outswing fields, the role of a short-leg and leg-side catching position, and how the field adjusts when inswing conditions change or when a left-handed batsman comes to the crease.
Inswing's Target Dismissals
Inswing — the ball curving toward the right-handed batsman's body (in-to-them, toward the leg stump) — primarily targets three dismissal types. LBW: the ball curves into the pad from in front of the stumps, pitching on off or middle and swinging into line. Bowled through the gate: the ball swings through the gap between bat and pad (the 'gate') and clips the stumps. Caught-behind from an inside edge: the ball takes the inside edge of the bat (the face nearest the batsman's body) and goes to the keeper or to a leg-side catcher. These dismissal modes determine where the fielding captain places close-in fielders: leg-side positions (to catch inside edges and bat-pad deflections) rather than the slip cordon that dominates outswing fields.
Close Catching Positions for Inswing
An inswing field typically includes: a short-leg (close in on the leg side, positioned for bat-pad catches when the ball swings into the batsman's pad with the bat nearby), sometimes a leg-slip (positioned backward of square leg for the inside edge that goes fine behind the batsman's legs), and a mid-on positioned to cut off the batsman's defensive push into the on side. Wicket-keeper standing up to the stumps is rare for pace inswing bowlers but possible for medium-pace inswing — the keeper standing up prevents the batsman from stepping away from a ball going into the body. The field is noticeably leg-side heavy compared to the off-side slip cordon of an outswing field.
Field Adjustment for Conditions
Inswing is most effective in humid conditions (moisture in the air and on the ball assists air resistance asymmetry), early in the innings (new ball swings more than the old), and in overcast weather. When conditions change (sun comes out, ball gets old), the inswing field may no longer be optimal — the ball stops moving and a fielder at short-leg becomes wasted in a catching position that never produces catches. Captains must monitor whether the ball is actually swinging when deciding whether to maintain an attacking inswing field — keeping a full attacking field when the ball isn't moving produces extra run concession with no compensating wicket threat.
Frequently asked questions
What is 'short-leg' and how dangerous is it?
Short-leg (also called forward short-leg or bat-pad) is positioned extremely close to the batsman — typically 3-5 metres away on the leg side — to catch balls that pop off the bat and pad at close range. It is one of cricket's most physically exposed positions: a mishit or powerful defensive stroke can send the ball directly at the short-leg fielder at high speed with almost no reaction time. Short-leg fielders wear helmets and occasionally additional padding. At international level, fielders specifically volunteer or are selected for their reflexes and bravery in the position — the instinctive flinch that most people experience is a serious performance impediment at 5 metres from a striking bat.
Should the slip cordon be removed for an inswing bowler?
Not always — the decision depends on whether the inswing bowler also generates any late outswing or reverse swing. An inswing bowler who also moves the ball away occasionally (as many inswing specialists do, particularly with the reverse-swinging old ball) benefits from keeping at least one slip for the occasional outside edge. A pure inswing bowler who never moves the ball away may have the slip cordon reduced to a single slip or removed entirely — replaced by leg-side fielders. The captain's field should reflect reality: if outside edges aren't occurring, there is no value in maintaining slip fielders against an inswing attack that generates no outside edges.
How does the inswing field change for a left-handed batsman?
For a left-handed batsman, inswing from a right-arm bowler becomes outswing relative to the batsman's body — the ball curves away from the left-hander. This reverses the field: instead of a leg-side field (for the inside edge going to the leg side), the captain sets an off-side slip cordon (for the outside edge going to first and second slip). Short-leg is replaced by gully or third slip. The inswing bowler effectively becomes an outswing bowler from the left-handed batsman's perspective. Some inswing bowlers adjust their angle (going around the wicket to a left-hander) to create a different swing approach, making the ball swing back in to the left-hander's body — restoring the leg-side field advantage.