Point in Cricket: The Off-Side Fielding Position Explained
The point fielding position in cricket stands square on the off side to stop cuts and off drives. Learn where point fields, what shots they stop, and how the position varies by format.
Where Does Point Field?
Point stands square of the batter's wicket on the off side, roughly level with the crease or just in front of it. The position is typically 15–20 metres from the batter, between gully and cover. In fielding diagrams, point is at approximately 90 degrees from the line of the pitch, off side.
What Does Point Field?
Point's primary job is to stop square cuts and off-side cuts that travel at or just behind square of the wicket. In limited-overs cricket especially, point prevents boundaries from powerful cut shots. In Test cricket, point may be placed more aggressively to take catches off top edges.
Variations: Backward and Forward Point
- Standard point: square with the crease, mid-range distance
- Backward point: slightly behind square, provides wider angle coverage against cut shots
- Forward point (short extra cover): in front of the batting crease, more catching-oriented
Point as a Fielding Challenge
Point is a demanding fielding position because square cuts arrive very quickly at shin and knee height. Fielders at point need fast reactions and the ability to dive low. Sharp fielding at point can prevent three to four runs per match that might otherwise reach the boundary.
Frequently asked questions
Is point on the off side or leg side?
Point is on the off side, standing square of the batter's wicket. The leg-side equivalent of point is square leg.
What shot does point mainly field?
Point primarily fields the square cut — a shot played by the batter to a short-of-a-length delivery outside off stump, directing the ball square on the off side.