Long Off Fielding Position in Cricket
What is long off in cricket? Where this deep off-side boundary fielder stands and what shots they prevent in modern limited-overs cricket.
Long off is a deep off-side boundary fielding position, stationed directly behind the bowler on the off side and level or slightly angled toward extra cover. It mirrors long on on the opposite side of the pitch and is designed to save straight or slightly off-side lofted drives for six.
What Long Off Saves
- Straight drives lofted over mid-off — the most natural lofted drive zone.
- Slightly off-side big hits aimed between long off and cover boundary.
- Miscued high-lofted shots that go straight but don't carry the rope.
- Slog-drives aimed down the ground by tailenders.
Long Off vs Extra Cover
| Position | Depth | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Extra cover (up) | Inside the ring | Save singles from wide off-side drives |
| Long off (boundary) | On the rope | Save sixes from straight drives |
Long Off in Death Overs
Long off is almost universally present during the death overs of T20 and ODI innings. Most attacking batsmen look to hit straight or slightly off-side, and without long off the captain gives up free boundaries. In Test cricket, long off is less common and is typically only placed for tail-enders.
Frequently asked questions
Is long off always on the boundary?
In T20 and death-over ODI bowling, yes. In Test cricket and powerplay overs, mid-off is often the equivalent position brought inside the ring.
Who are famous long off fielders?
Long off requires more athleticism than fame — but exceptional outfielders like Jonty Rhodes, Ricky Ponting, and Ravindra Jadeja have all excelled in deep positions including long off.