Cricket Fielding Positions: Names, Roles & Layout

 


Understanding cricket field positions is essential for anyone looking to get better at the game—whether you're a player, coach, analyst, or fan. In every cricket match, field placement can influence the outcome more than most people realize. This guide covers everything about cricket fielding positions, including names, responsibilities, layout, and tactical uses across various formats like T20, ODI, and Test matches.

Whether you’re trying to master fielding positions in cricket as a beginner or looking to sharpen your tactical insights, this guide is for you.

What Are Cricket Fielding Positions?

Cricket fielding positions refer to the pre-defined spots where fielders stand on the field to stop runs, take catches, or support the bowler’s strategy. These positions help optimize team defense and apply pressure on the batting side. The placement varies according to the bowler’s style, batter’s strengths, and the match situation.

Field positions in cricket are mainly divided into:

  • Off-side

  • Leg-side (also known as on-side)

  • Close-in fielding positions

  • Deep fielding positions

Let’s look at each in more detail.

Basic Layout of a Cricket Field

A standard cricket field is oval-shaped with the pitch in the center. Fielding positions are organized around the batter’s orientation and the bowler’s end. The circle around the pitch is often used as a reference point to define close-in or deep positions.

  • Off-side: The side of the field in front of the batter when standing in a normal stance.

  • Leg-side/On-side: The side behind the batter’s body.

Fielding positions are usually named based on direction and distance from the batter.

Core Fielding Positions in Cricket

Here’s a breakdown of the main cricket fielding positions you’ll see on most scorecards or field maps.

Slip

  • Located next to the wicketkeeper.

  • Primarily used in Test matches.

  • Excellent for catching edges from fast bowlers.

Gully

  • Positioned between the slips and point.

  • Often used to catch square cuts or thick edges.

Point

  • Located square of the wicket on the off-side.

  • Good for catching cut shots or saving runs.

Cover

  • In front of the batter on the off-side.

  • A traditional fielding position to stop drives.

Mid-off

  • Close to the bowler on the off-side.

  • Stops straight drives and helps support the bowler.

Mid-on

  • Equivalent of mid-off but on the leg-side.

  • Used for blocking on-drives.

Square Leg

  • Behind the batter on the leg side, square to the wicket.

  • Common in limited-overs matches for saving runs or catching pull shots.

Fine Leg

  • Very fine angle behind the batter on the leg side.

  • Mainly for stopping glance shots and edges off pace bowling.

Third Man

  • Behind the batter on the off-side.

  • Catches edges and provides backup for slips.

Advanced Fielding Positions

For tactical depth, captains use more specific positions in different game situations.

Silly Point

  • Very close on the off-side, near the batter.

  • Used for spin bowling, especially when the batter is defensive.

Short Leg

  • Very close on the leg side.

  • Ideal for catching deflections against spin bowling.

Deep Point

  • Far from the batter, near the boundary on the off-side.

  • Positioned to prevent boundaries from cut shots.

Long Off and Long On

  • Straight boundary fielders on the off and leg sides.

  • Common in T20 cricket for catching lofted drives.

Leg Slip

  • Similar to a regular slip but behind the batter on the leg side.

  • Used when trying to trap the batter on flicks or glances.

Sweeper Cover

  • Deep position between point and cover.

  • Used in limited-overs to block boundaries.

Off-Side vs Leg-Side Fielding Positions

Understanding off-side and leg-side positions helps in planning field setups.

Off-Side Fielders

  • Slips

  • Gully

  • Point

  • Cover

  • Extra Cover

  • Mid-off

  • Third Man

  • Deep Cover

  • Sweeper Cover

Leg-Side Fielders

  • Square Leg

  • Fine Leg

  • Mid-on

  • Long On

  • Deep Square Leg

  • Deep Mid-Wicket

  • Short Leg

  • Leg Slip

Fielding Positions for Different Formats

Test Matches

  • More slips, gully, short leg, silly point.

  • Defensive fielding isn’t a priority early on.

  • Aim is to take wickets.

ODI Matches

  • Mix of attack and defense.

  • Inner circle restrictions apply.

  • Use of point, cover, square leg, mid-off, and mid-on.

T20 Matches

  • Defensive field placements.

  • Long on, long off, deep mid-wicket, and deep cover are standard.

  • Prioritize stopping boundaries.

Fielding Positioning Strategies

Positioning isn't random—it’s shaped by several factors:

  • Batter’s strengths and weaknesses

  • Type of bowler (pace/spin)

  • Match format and over situation

  • Pitch conditions

  • Game phase (Powerplay, middle overs, death overs)

Sample Field Setting: Fast Bowler in Test

  • 3 slips

  • Gully

  • Point

  • Mid-off

  • Mid-on

  • Fine leg

  • Third man

Sample Field Setting: Spinner in T20

  • Deep mid-wicket

  • Long on

  • Long off

  • Sweeper cover

  • Square leg

  • Short third man

  • Slip (rare in T20 but possible)

Why Fielding Positions Matter

Fielding positions play a direct role in:

  • Creating catching opportunities

  • Stopping boundaries

  • Building pressure on batters

  • Supporting bowlers tactically

In formats like T20 where every run counts, proper field placement can change the game. In Tests, smart fielding positions help dismiss set batters.

Common Mistakes in Fielding Placement

  • Placing too many fielders on one side

  • Ignoring batter tendencies

  • Using same field for different bowlers

  • Not adjusting with match progress

  • Miscommunication between captain and fielders

Avoiding these issues can drastically improve team fielding performance.

Tips for Learning Field Positions

  • Watch professional matches and note fielding setups

  • Use visual aids and fielding apps

  • Practice with your local team

  • Ask your coach for scenario-based setups

  • Refer to fielding drills to understand movement and positioning

FAQs on Cricket Fielding Positions

What is the difference between point and cover?

Point is square on the off-side, while cover is more towards the front, typically to stop drive shots.

What is a 45-degree fielding position?

It’s between square leg and fine leg, often used for catching or stopping quick singles.

Is third man the same as fine leg?

No, third man is on the off-side behind the batter; fine leg is on the leg side.

Can fielding positions change during the over?

Yes, captains often adjust fielders depending on the batter on strike and game situation.

Are field restrictions the same in all formats?

No, each format (T20, ODI, Test) has its own set of restrictions and guidelines.

Final Thoughts

Understanding cricket fielding positions is a must for serious players and fans alike. Field placement isn't just about where players stand—it’s about reading the game, anticipating shots, and building strategies that support your bowlers.

By mastering cricket field positions, you add a tactical layer to your game, whether you're in school cricket or aiming for higher levels.

For more tactical insights and real-time match tracking, download the CricHeroes app — your complete cricket companion for scoring, streaming, and analytics.

Have questions or want to manage your own league? Reach out to us at meet@cricheroes.in — we’re happy to help.

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