Cricket Fielding Positions Explained
Tap any position on the field to learn what it does and why captains use it. Every position explained with a real cricket example.
Tap a position to learn more · Right-handed batter at bottom
Tap a position to learn
Click or tap any fielder circle on the diagram to see a full description of that position — what they do, why they're placed there, and a memorable cricket fact.
All Positions
Understanding Cricket Fielding Positions
Off Side vs Leg Side
The cricket field is divided into two halves relative to the batter: the off side(to the batter's right if they are right-handed, or left if left-handed) and the leg side(to the batter's left if right-handed). The pitch runs north-south in the diagram above, with the batter standing at the bottom. The off side is on the right; the leg side is on the left. All fielding position names are defined from this perspective — so “point” is always square on the off side regardless of which end the batter stands.
The Slip Cordon
First slip, second slip, and gully form the slip cordon — a line of fielders on the off side behind the batting crease. They are positioned to catch outside edges off the bat. When the ball is new and swinging, or the pitch has variable bounce, a captain may post 3 or 4 slips. In T20 cricket, slips are rarely used because the powerplay rules mean fielders are better placed in the ring to prevent singles.
The 30-Yard Circle (Ring)
In limited-overs cricket (ODIs and T20Is), a 30-yard circle is marked on the field. Powerplay rules dictate how many fielders can be outside this circle at different stages of the innings — in T20Is, only 2 fielders can be outside the circle during the 6-over powerplay. This opens up the off side and leg side for batters to score freely, which is why the powerplay is the highest-scoring phase of most T20 innings.
Close Catchers
Silly mid-on, silly mid-off, and short leg are positions placed very close to the batter — sometimes only 2-3 metres away. They are used primarily in Test cricket when spinners are bowling on a turning pitch and the captain wants to create pressure by catching bat-pad edges. These positions are extremely dangerous and all fielders there must wear helmets. The fielder has less than a tenth of a second to react to a hard-hit shot.
T20 vs Test Fielding
Fielding strategies differ significantly between formats. In Test cricket, slips and close catchers are central — the captain is setting attacking fields to take 10 wickets across 5 days. In T20 cricket, the priority is saving runs: two boundary fielders per side of the ground, a ring to cut off singles, and protection in the most-attacked zones (long-on, long-off, deep mid-wicket, fine leg). A good T20 captain adjusts these positions ball by ball depending on the batter's strengths and the bowler's plan.