Ground Fielding Positions in Cricket Explained
A complete guide to the ground fielding positions in cricket — the named positions in the outfield and inner ring, and what role each serves.
The Cricket Field
A cricket field is divided into two halves relative to the batter: the off side (the side the batter faces — to the right of a right-handed batter looking down the pitch) and the leg side (the batter's body side — to the left of a right-handed batter). Fielding positions are named by region, depth, and side of the field.
Inner Ring (Catching) Positions
- Slip: directly behind the batter on the off side, positioned to catch edges. First slip, second slip, third slip from nearest the wicketkeeper outward.
- Gully: backward of point, positioned for thick edges that fly wide of the slips.
- Point: square of the wicket on the off side.
- Cover: between point and mid-off, most common off-side fielding position.
- Mid-off: between cover and the bowler's end stumps.
- Mid-on: on the leg side, between mid-wicket and the bowling crease.
- Mid-wicket: square on the leg side.
- Square leg: level with the batsman's crease on the leg side.
- Fine leg: behind the batter on the leg side, near the boundary.
- Third man: behind the batter on the off side, near the boundary.
Depth Distinctions
Any position can be qualified by depth: 'deep mid-wicket' is mid-wicket near the boundary; 'short mid-on' is mid-on close to the batter. The terms 'forward' (towards the bowler's end), 'backward' (behind the batter), 'square' (level with the batter), 'fine' (near the batting line), and 'wide' (far from the batting line) all describe relative position.
Frequently asked questions
How many fielding positions are there in cricket?
There are over 30 named fielding positions in cricket, though only 10 fielders (plus the wicketkeeper) can be on the field at any time. The named positions describe all possible zones on the field regardless of whether they are occupied in a specific match situation.
What is the 'cow corner' fielding position?
Cow corner is an informal name for the area between mid-wicket and deep square leg on the leg side — a common hitting zone for unorthodox slog shots in T20 cricket. It is not an official fielding position name.
What is a silly position in cricket?
A silly position is any fielding position very close to the batter — silly mid-on, silly point. Fielders in silly positions wear helmets due to the risk of being struck by a hard-hit ball at close range.