Fielding Positions in Cricket
A complete guide to all fielding positions in cricket — their names, locations, and why the captain places fielders where they do.
Fielding positions in cricket form a precise vocabulary that describes where each of the eleven fielders stands on the field. Understanding fielding positions is essential for reading the game — it tells you what the captain is trying to achieve, what deliveries the bowler plans to bowl, and where the scoring gaps are.
The Two Sides
The field is divided into two sides relative to the batsman: the off side (the side the batsman faces when standing at the crease) and the leg side (behind the batsman). The line divides the field down the middle — the stumps to the bowling end.
Close Infield Positions (Off Side)
| Position | Location |
|---|---|
| First slip | To the right of the wicketkeeper (right-hand batsman) |
| Second slip | Further right of first slip |
| Third slip / gully | Wider and squarer |
| Point | Square of the batsman on the off side |
| Cover point | Between point and mid-off, closer to mid-off |
| Extra cover | Between cover point and mid-off |
| Mid-off | On the off side, close to the bowling crease |
Close Infield Positions (Leg Side)
| Position | Location |
|---|---|
| Leg slip | To the left of the wicketkeeper (right-hand batsman) |
| Square leg | Square of the batsman on the leg side |
| Mid-wicket | Between square leg and mid-on, angled |
| Mid-on | On the leg side, close to the bowling crease |
Outfield Positions
| Position | Location |
|---|---|
| Deep point / sweeper | Square on off side boundary |
| Long off | Behind the bowler, off side boundary |
| Long on | Behind the bowler, leg side boundary |
| Deep mid-wicket | Leg side boundary, angled |
| Square leg boundary | Square on leg side boundary |
| Fine leg | Leg side, behind square, near the boundary |
| Third man | Off side, behind square, near the boundary |
Frequently asked questions
How many fielding positions exist in cricket?
There is no fixed number — positions are flexible and a captain can place fielders in many intermediate positions. The named positions number around 30+ but the fielding map has infinite gradations.
What is a silly position?
Very close fielding positions (within a few metres of the batsman) are prefixed 'silly' — silly mid-on, silly point, silly mid-off. They are high-risk positions for the fielder.