Mid-Off in Cricket — Fielding Position, Role & Tactical Use
Mid-off is a fielding position on the off side, stationed roughly in line with the bowler but wider. Learn where mid-off stands, what it covers, and how captains use it.
Mid-off is a fielding position on the off side of the cricket field, stationed roughly at 45 degrees from the non-striker's end and level with the bowling crease — typically 25–35 metres from the batter. It covers the zone to which straight and off drives are directed.
Where exactly is mid-off?
Looking from behind the stumps at the bowler's end, mid-off is to the right of the bowler (from the batter's perspective, this is to their left — on the off side). Mid-off sits between extra cover (squarer) and straight mid-off (straighter). A straighter mid-off is called 'straight mid-off' or 'forward mid-off'; a squarer one moves toward extra cover.
Role of mid-off
- Stops straight drives and off drives hit powerfully down the ground.
- Backs up the non-striker's end for run outs on misfields or direct-hit attempts.
- Takes catches off mishit drives that loop back toward the bowler.
- In attacking fields, mid-off may be brought up to a catching position (close mid-off) to pressurise the batter.
Frequently asked questions
Where is mid-off in cricket?
Mid-off is on the off side, roughly in line with the bowler's run-up but angled — about 25–35 metres from the batter, between extra cover and the straight-on position. It covers off drives and straight drives on the off side.