Silly Fielding Positions in Cricket: Silly Mid-On, Silly Point Explained
Silly fielding positions in cricket place fielders dangerously close to the batter to take bat-pad catches. Learn which positions are 'silly', when they are used, and the risks involved.
What Makes a Position 'Silly'?
A fielding position is called 'silly' in cricket when it is placed extremely close to the batter — so close that the fielder is at risk of being hit by a powerful shot. The prefix 'silly' is traditional and denotes the proximity, not the intelligence of the fielder.
The Main Silly Positions
| Position | Side | Distance from Batter |
|---|---|---|
| Silly mid-on | Leg side, roughly 60° forward | 3–6 metres |
| Silly mid-off | Off side, roughly 60° forward | 3–6 metres |
| Silly point | Off side, square | 3–5 metres |
| Leg slip | Leg side, behind the batter | 5–7 metres |
When Are Silly Positions Used?
Silly positions are deployed almost exclusively in Test cricket, typically when slow bowlers are operating on a pitch with significant turn and bounce. The spinning ball is likely to take the bat-pad edge and pop up short — a silly fielder in position can catch these deflections. They are rarely used in limited-overs cricket because run-scoring pressure removes the incentive for defensive spin-trap fields.
Bat-Pad Catches
The primary purpose of silly positions is to catch bat-pad deflections — when the ball hits the bat and then pad (or pad then bat) and pops up in the close-catching zone. These are frequent when spin bowlers find substantial turn, as batters struggle to keep the ball down.
Frequently asked questions
Do fielders in silly positions have to wear helmets?
Yes. ICC Playing Conditions require fielders standing in close-catching positions (within a specified distance of the batter) to wear helmets. Failure to do so results in the bowler being no-balled.
Is silly mid-on on the leg or off side?
Silly mid-on is on the leg side (on side) of the batter, very close to the pitch. Silly mid-off is the off-side equivalent — both are forward of the batter at arm's reach.
Are silly positions used in T20 cricket?
Almost never. The aggressive batting in T20 cricket makes silly positions dangerous without the reward — batters attack freely, making close catchers extremely vulnerable and less likely to receive catchable edges.