All Cricket Fielding Positions Explained: From Slip to Deep Square Leg
A complete guide to all cricket fielding positions — slip cordon, gully, point, cover, mid-off, mid-on, square leg, fine leg, and all variations — what each position covers and when captains place fielders there.
Cricket has over 30 named fielding positions — each covering a specific area of the ground, named relative to the batter's position and the off side/leg side divide. Understanding fielding positions allows fans to read a captain's tactical intentions: an attacking field has multiple slips and a gully; a defensive field has deep fielders protecting the boundary. The 10 fielders (excluding the wicketkeeper) can be placed almost anywhere within the fielding circle and beyond it, within the laws regarding fielding restrictions.
Off-Side Positions
The off side (the side away from the batter's legs for a right-handed batter) is typically more heavily populated with fielders. Slip positions: first slip (closest to wicketkeeper), second slip, third slip, fourth slip — for catching edges from the bat. Gully: between third slip and point, slightly behind square — for catching edges that go wider. Point: square with the wicket on the off side — for cutting shots. Cover point: between point and mid-off, covers the arc where batters drive or punch. Mid-off: close to the bowler's end on the off side — covers straight or mid-off drives. Extra cover: between cover point and mid-off. Deep versions of all these positions cover the boundary against attacking shots.
Leg-Side Positions
The leg side (the side toward the batter's legs for a right-handed batter) positions: Square leg: square with the wicket on the leg side — covers leg glances and swept shots. Fine leg: behind square leg, closer to the boundary — covers top edges off bouncers and fine glances. Backward square leg: between square leg and fine leg, covers mistimed pulls and glances. Mid-on: close to the bowling crease on the leg side — covers on drives. Mid-wicket: between mid-on and square leg, covers drives and flicks to the on side. Short fine leg: inside the fielding circle on the fine leg line — for catching top edges off slower balls.
Reading a Captain's Field
A captain's field placement reveals their bowling strategy: multiple slips + gully = expecting edges, bowling tight on the off stump; fine leg + square leg on the boundary = protecting against the pull shot (typically against a bouncer attack); mid-on + mid-off close in = spin bowling with close catchers for the bat-pad catch (ball trickling off bat and pad to close fielders); 7-2 split (7 on off side, 2 on leg side) = bowling outside off stump, not giving the batter leg-side scoring options. Learning to read field placements is one of the more advanced aspects of cricket match viewing.
Frequently asked questions
How many fielding positions are there in cricket?
Over 30 named positions, with short and deep variants of most — giving effectively 50+ possible named locations. A captain selects 10 fielders (plus wicketkeeper = 11 total fielding) from these positions based on the bowler's line, the batter's weaknesses, and the match situation.
What does 'silly' mean in a fielding position name?
'Silly' indicates a dangerously close fielding position — within 10 yards of the batter. Examples: silly mid-on, silly mid-off, silly point. These positions are used in spin bowling conditions where close bat-pad catches are expected, or against batters playing in a defensive mode. The name reflects the danger to the fielder.
What is the difference between deep and short fielding positions?
Short: fielder inside the 30-yard circle, close to the bat — used for aggressive bowling spells where catches are expected in the catching arc. Deep: fielder near or on the boundary — used defensively to stop boundaries. Most positions have both a 'short' variant (inside circle) and a 'deep' variant (near boundary), e.g. short square leg vs deep square leg.