Cricket Fielding Positions: Complete Guide
A clear explanation of every fielding position in cricket — from slip cordon to fine leg — with their purpose and strategic deployment.
Cricket has more than 30 named fielding positions arranged around the pitch, divided into the off side (to the right of a right-handed batter) and the leg side (to their left). Understanding these positions helps viewers follow tactics and appreciate a captain's field-setting decisions.
Behind the Wicket: Slip Cordon
The slip cordon stands behind the batter on the off side. First slip is closest to the wicketkeeper, second slip next, then gully (wider and squarer). Slips are positioned for edges off the bat — they catch balls that travel at catchable height as they deflect off the outside edge. In pace-friendly conditions, teams sometimes set three or four slips plus gully.
In Front of the Wicket: Covers, Mid-Off, Mid-On
Cover point and extra cover guard the off side in front of the pitch. Mid-off stands behind the bowler on the off side; mid-on is the mirror image on the leg side. These fielders cut off drives. Point is square on the off side, ideal for cuts and pulls that go straight to the right.
Behind Square on the Leg Side
Square leg stands level with the batter on the leg side. Fine leg is behind square on the leg side boundary — a classic placement for the hook and pull shot. Third man is the leg-side mirror of fine leg, positioned on the off side boundary behind the wicket. Mid-wicket sits between square leg and mid-on, defending flicks through the leg side.
Fielding Restrictions and Powerplay
In ODI and T20 cricket, fielding circles restrict the number of players allowed outside a 30-yard circle. During powerplays (overs 1–6 in ODIs, 1–6 in T20Is), only two fielders may be outside the circle. This forces captains to deploy fielders inside the ring, leaving boundary gaps that batters target. After the powerplay, up to five fielders may patrol the boundary.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between slip and gully?
Slip fielders stand directly behind the batter in line with the wicket to catch edges. Gully stands wider (squarer) than slip, guarding against thicker edges and cut shots that travel at an angle.
What does it mean to be stationed at third man?
Third man is on the off side behind the batsman, near the boundary. Captains post a fielder there to stop edges and deflections that trickle fine past the keeper and slips toward the boundary.
How many fielders must be inside the circle during a powerplay?
In ODIs and T20Is, a maximum of two fielders may be outside the 30-yard circle during powerplay overs. All other fielders must stay inside the ring.