Cricket Fielding Positions: Complete Visual and Descriptive Guide
A comprehensive guide to every fielding position in cricket — from slip cordon to deep fine leg — with explanations of why each position is used and when.
The Off Side Positions
The off side (to the right of a right-handed batter when facing) contains numerous specialist positions. Slip fielders (first, second, third, fourth slip) stand behind the batter on the off side to catch edges off the bat when the ball moves away. Gully stands closer than slip at a wider angle, catching steeper edges. Point is square to the batter on the off side, stopping cut shots. Cover point and extra cover are straighter and fuller, cutting off drives.
The On Side Positions
The on side (leg side) positions mirror the off side in structure. Square leg is level with the batter on the leg side. Fine leg is behind the batter on the leg side boundary, primarily saving leg-side runs. Mid-wicket is straight on the on side. Mid-on is straighter still, close to the batting crease. Long-on and long-leg are boundary-region positions for big hitting protection.
Behind the Wicket
Behind the wicket on the off side: slip positions and the wicketkeeper. Third man is the deep off-side position behind the batter, saving runs deflected off the outside edge. Third man is particularly important in T20 cricket when batters frequently lap-sweep or reverse-scoop deliveries to that area. Leg gully and leg slip are behind the wicket on the leg side, used against spin bowling.
Straight Positions
Mid-off is straight on the off side (fielder to the bowler's right as they approach the crease). Mid-on is straight on the leg side (to the bowler's left). Both cover the region where straight drives go. Silly mid-off and silly mid-on are close-in versions used against spinners on turning pitches, positioned dangerously near the batter to create catching opportunities.
Fielding Restriction Implications
In T20 powerplay overs (1–6), only 2 fielders may be outside the 30-yard circle. This forces captains to choose their best 'inside-the-ring' fielders, typically placing the most athletic fielders at midwicket, mid-off, cover, and point where most attacking shots go in the powerplay.
Setting a Field: Tactical Considerations
A captain sets fielding positions based on the bowler's plan, the batter's known strengths and weaknesses, the match situation, and pitch conditions. Against a batsman who drives hard through cover, an extra cover and cover point are positioned wider. Against a batsman who sweeps, a deep square leg and short fine leg are placed. Against tail-enders, a cluster of catchers around the bat may be deployed to end the innings quickly.
Frequently asked questions
How many fielders can be outside the circle in T20 cricket?
In the powerplay (overs 1–6), only 2 fielders may be outside the 30-yard fielding circle. After the powerplay, up to 5 fielders may be outside the circle.
What is a 'gully' fielder in cricket?
Gully is an off-side catching position, wider and closer than slip, positioned to catch steeper edges from cut shots — approximately 45 degrees behind and to the off side of the batter.
What is the difference between point and cover in cricket?
Point is squarer (more behind the batter) on the off side, positioned for cut shots. Cover is straighter (more in front of the batter), positioned to field cover drives.