Square Leg in Cricket: Fielding Position and Umpire Role
Square leg is both an important fielding position and the name of the position where the leg-side on-field umpire stands. Learn what square leg does and when it is used.
What Is Square Leg?
Square leg is a fielding position on the leg side of the batter, directly to the batter's side at roughly 90 degrees from the line of the pitch. It is approximately level with the batting crease, on the on side. It is one of the most standard fielding positions in all formats of cricket.
The Square Leg Umpire
Square leg is also the name of the position where the second on-field umpire stands during play. The square leg umpire has a clear sightline to the crease from the leg side, making them the primary umpire for judging run-outs and stumpings at the striker's end, and assisting with no-balls at the bowling crease.
What Shots Does Square Leg Field?
Square leg intercepts square pulls, glances off the pads, and leg-glance shots that go directly to the side. It is a standard fielding position during swing bowling and when a leg spinner is operating — both encourage shots toward this region.
Frequently asked questions
Is square leg on the off side or leg side?
Square leg is on the leg side — the on side — directly to the batter's side at 90 degrees. The equivalent off-side position is point.
Why does the second umpire stand at square leg?
Square leg gives the umpire a clear view of the crease, the batter's feet, and the wicketkeeper's hands. This sightline is ideal for judging run-outs, stumpings, and caught-behind decisions from the leg side.