Gully and Point Positions in Cricket: Key Differences
Gully and point are two fielding positions on the off side between the slips and the covers. Learn where each stands, what catches they take, and how captains choose between them.
Gully
Gully stands behind the line of the batter's front foot, roughly at 45 degrees on the off side, between third slip and point. Gully takes thick edges on deliveries that pitch short or angled across the batter — particularly useful against aggressive cut shots that find the top edge. Gully is typically placed when the ball is moving or the batter plays square of the wicket.
Point
Point stands level with the batter's crease or slightly in front of it, directly to the side on the off side. Point fielders stop square-cut shots and intercept drives aimed along the ground toward the off side. In defensive fields, point saves runs; in aggressive fields, they take catches off mishits.
Positional Differences
| Position | Angle from Batter | Primary Function |
|---|---|---|
| Gully | ~45° behind square | Catch thick edges off cut shots |
| Point | ~90° (square) or slightly forward | Stop or catch square drives/cuts |
| Backward point | ~105° behind square | Cut shot interception |
When Each Is Used
Gully is most common when fast bowlers are pitching short or when the batter cuts frequently. Point is almost always placed in limited-overs cricket to control square-side run scoring. Teams choose between gully and backward point based on the angle of delivery and how the batter is playing.
Frequently asked questions
Is gully the same as third slip?
No. Third slip is part of the slip cordon directly behind the batter. Gully stands further forward and wider, at a 45-degree angle, and is positioned for cut-shot edges rather than pure slip catches.
What is backward point?
Backward point stands slightly behind the line of the popping crease at roughly 100–110 degrees from the batter, offering wider coverage than standard point without being as deep as gully.