Silly Mid-On and Silly Mid-Off in Cricket
What 'silly' fielding positions are in cricket, the risks they carry, when captains use them, and why these close-in catching positions can be match-changing.
What Are Silly Positions?
Silly positions in cricket are extremely close-in fielding spots, just a few metres from the batter on the leg side (silly mid-on, forward short leg) or off side (silly mid-off, silly point). These fielders stand well within the range of a full-blooded bat swing — hence 'silly.' They are positioned to catch balls that lob off the bat, pad, or deflect from the body.
The Main Silly Positions
- Silly mid-on: close on the on side, in front of and beside the batter
- Silly mid-off: close on the off side, opposite silly mid-on
- Forward short leg: very close on the leg side, behind square — at highest risk
- Leg slip: behind the wicket on the leg side, catching leg-side deflections
When Captains Use Silly Positions
- Spin bowling attacking a right-hander — ball turning from off: silly mid-on and forward short leg
- New batter — more likely to prod at the ball and give a bat-pad catch
- Pitch offering lateral movement — ball regularly going to the close catchers
- Late in an innings — batting side blocking, increasing bat-pad catch probability
Bat-Pad Catches
The primary catch from silly positions is the bat-pad — where the ball deflects off the bat and then the pad (or vice versa) and pops toward the close catcher. These are among the most difficult catches in the game due to their low trajectory, speed, and unexpected angle.
Frequently asked questions
Why are close-in fielding positions called 'silly'?
The nickname comes from the perceived recklessness of standing so close to a batter who might hit the ball hard. The positions were sarcastically called 'silly' because only a 'silly' person would stand there.
Do fielders in silly positions have to wear helmets?
In most professional cricket, fielders in any position within 10 yards of the batter (on the on side in front of the wicket) are required to wear a helmet under playing conditions. Most close-in fielders in silly positions wear full protective equipment.