All Cricket Fielding Positions Explained: A Complete Visual Guide
From slip to deep square leg, every cricket fielding position has a purpose. This guide explains where each position is placed and why.
Cricket has around 30 named fielding positions, though only 11 fielders are on the pitch at any time. The captain arranges them based on the batter's strengths, the bowler's line, and match situation.
The Slip Cordon
First, second, and third slip stand in a line behind and to the off side of the wicketkeeper. They catch edges off fast bowling. Gully is wider and shallower, stationed for thicker edges and square cuts.
Infield Off Side
Cover point is straight behind point and covers the square and backward-of-square region. Extra cover is fuller and finer. Mid-off sits at the non-striker's end on the off side — the bowler's first line of defence for straight drives.
Infield Leg Side
Mid-on mirrors mid-off on the leg side. Square leg stands level with the batter on the leg side. Fine leg patrols the boundary behind square on the leg side, essential against pulls and glances.
Outfield Positions
Long-on and long-off guard the straight boundaries behind each end. Long leg and deep fine leg protect the leg-side boundary. Deep cover, deep point, and deep square leg cover the offside and square boundaries.
Attacking vs Defensive Settings
An attacking field clusters fielders close to the bat: slip, gully, short leg, silly mid-on. A defensive field spreads players on the boundary. Reading the field tells a batter where the captain expects the ball to go.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between point and cover?
Point is squarer (more 90 degrees to the pitch) while cover is fuller (angled toward mid-off). Point cuts off square drives; cover catches fuller drives through the off side.
What does silly mid-on mean?
Silly means very close to the batter. Silly mid-on stands almost next to the batting crease on the leg side — a brave position used to pressurise batters against spin.