Silly Mid-On in Cricket — The High-Risk Close Fielding Position Explained
Silly mid-on is a close fielding position on the on side, placed almost beside the batsman to catch bat-pad deflections from leg-side deliveries. Learn when it is used, what protective equipment is required, and how it differs from silly mid-off.
Silly mid-on is a fielding position placed on the on (leg) side, very close to the batsman — typically 3–5 metres away, roughly between the batsman and the mid-on fielder. Like other 'silly' positions (silly mid-off, silly point), it is a catching position used when spin bowlers are generating sharp turn toward the leg side, creating the chance of a catch off a deflection from bat or pad.
When silly mid-on is deployed
A left-arm spin bowler targeting right-handed batsmen with balls turning from off to leg may deploy a silly mid-on to catch any deflection off the inside edge or bat-pad contact that goes toward the mid-on area. Similarly, an off-spinner with a big turn might cause the ball to take a bat deflection toward mid-on at very short range. The position signals aggressive intent by the captain — they believe the batsman is in enough difficulty with the spin that a ball to silly mid-on is plausible. Its deployment also adds psychological pressure: a fielder that close disrupts the batsman's normal stroke execution.
Protective equipment requirements
Fielders at silly mid-on are required to wear a helmet under ICC Playing Conditions for professional cricket. Leg guards, a box, and other protective equipment are strongly recommended and widely worn at this position. Despite the equipment, silly mid-on remains one of the highest-risk fielding positions — a mistimed drive or a straight defensive stroke can send the ball at the fielder at full bat speed from close range.
Silly mid-on vs silly mid-off
Silly mid-on is on the on (leg) side; silly mid-off is on the off side. Both are close-in positions catching bat-pad deflections. Silly mid-off is more commonly used with off-spin bowling aimed at the off stump area of right-handed batsmen (catching balls deflecting off the pad toward mid-off); silly mid-on is used with left-arm spin or off-spin that goes straight on into the pads (deflections going mid-on side). Both are rare positions in limited-overs cricket and more common in Test cricket's spin-heavy phases.
Frequently asked questions
Can you score runs with silly mid-on fielding?
Yes. Batsmen sometimes deliberately hit through the silly mid-on position — if the fielder is placed very close, the ball can pass them before they can react. However, this requires hitting the ball in a straight or slightly on-side direction close to the ground, which is technically demanding against a ball turning sharply toward the off side. The fielder's presence usually discourages batsmen from attempting these shots.
Has anyone been injured at silly mid-on?
Yes, injuries at close-in fielding positions are not uncommon. Even with helmets and protective equipment, a ball struck hard at head or chest height from 3–4 metres can cause serious injury. The introduction of mandatory helmets for close-in fielders in professional cricket has significantly reduced the risk of head injuries, though bruising from body blows remains common.
Is silly mid-on ever used in T20 cricket?
Rarely, and almost exclusively in the Powerplay overs against a specific batsman known to be vulnerable to a particular spin variation. By the middle and death overs of a T20, the batting team is attacking too aggressively for a captain to place any close-in fielder except a catcher at short fine leg or a specific slip position.