Slip Cordon in Cricket
What is the slip cordon? Learn how first, second, and third slip are positioned, why they exist, and how they operate as a unit to take catches.
The slip cordon is the group of fielders positioned to the off side of the wicketkeeper, standing in a line behind the batsman's crease. They are there to catch the edges that a swinging, seaming, or spinning ball creates when the batsman plays at deliveries outside off stump.
Positions in the Slip Cordon
| Position | Location | Catches |
|---|---|---|
| First slip | Directly next to keeper on the off side | Inside edges, straight edges |
| Second slip | Further outside first slip | Wider edges, thick outside edge |
| Third slip | Further out again | Very wide edges, occasional caught-and-bowled shaped edges |
| Gully | Square — wider than third slip | Cut shots that edge, cover drives that nick |
Why a Slip Cordon Is Used
- When the ball is swinging in helpful conditions — edges are likely.
- When a new ball is in use — the seam is prominent and deviation likely.
- To attack a batsman who plays away from the body.
- When a fast bowler is bowling — pace makes edges fly at height to the slips.
Slip Cordon Skills
- Hands below the ball — let it come to you rather than reaching for it.
- Concentrate on every delivery — the ball arrives in milliseconds.
- Low crouch in the ready position — react from this base.
- Communicate with keeper and adjacent slip — call for unclear chances.
Frequently asked questions
How many slips can you have?
There is no Law limit on slips. Captains have fielded up to five slips against a tail-ender or on a seaming pitch. However field restrictions in white-ball cricket limit the number of outfield positions, not slip positions.
What is a gully fielder?
Gully is positioned squarer and wider than third slip — not technically 'in the cordon' but associated with it. Gully catches slashes and cuts off the back foot.