If you’ve ever watched a cricket match and wondered why players stand in specific places—this guide is for you. Whether you’re new to the game or just need a refresher, understanding fielding positions in cricket can make the sport way more fun and easier to follow.

Let’s break it all down using plain English, practical tips, and real examples. No technical jargon. No complicated diagrams. Just clear, helpful info.

Why Fielding Positions Matter in Cricket

Cricket is more than just bat and ball. Fielders play a key role in every ball that’s bowled. Good field placement can:

• Turn a match around by cutting off boundaries

• Build pressure on the batter

• Help bowlers get wickets

• Save runs and turn half-chances into outs

That’s why cricket field positions aren’t random. They’re all about strategy, timing, and teamwork.

The Layout of a Cricket Field

Before we talk positions, let’s look at the field itself.

A cricket field is round or oval with a rectangular pitch in the center. Depending on the batter’s stance, the field is split into two main sides:

• Off Side – In front of the batter (for right-handers, it’s to the left)

• Leg Side (On Side) – Behind the batter’s back (to the right for right-handers)

Fielders are placed around these sides to stop runs or take catches. Their roles depend on where they stand and what type of bowler is in action.

The Three Fielding Zones

To keep things simple, the field is split into zones based on distance:

1. Close-In Field (0–15 yards)

These are catching positions close to the batter. Think slips and short leg.

2. Inner Circle (15–30 yards)

Fielders here stop quick singles and protect against drives.

3. Outfield (30+ yards)

This area covers boundary-saving roles like long-off or deep midwicket.

Core Fielding Positions (Explained Simply)

Here’s a breakdown of the most common fielding positions in cricket, along with what they actually do.

Wicket-Keeper

Location: Behind the stumps
Job: Stops balls, stumps batters, takes catches

Slip

Location: Next to the keeper
Job: Catches edges from fast bowlers
Common in: Tests and seam-friendly conditions

Gully

Location: Next to slip, but wider
Job: Takes deflections and low catches

Point

Location: Square on the off side
Job: Stops cuts and slices

Cover

Location: Between point and mid-off
Job: Fields drives on the off side
Fun fact: It’s a favorite scoring area for many batters

Mid-Off / Mid-On

Location: Straight fielders on off and leg sides
Job: Stop drives and push for run-outs

Square Leg

Location: Square on the leg side
Job: Catches glances, stops singles

Fine Leg

Location: Behind batter on the leg side
Job: Stops bouncers and hooks near the boundary

Third Man

Location: Behind batter on off side
Job: Prevents edges from going for four

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Long-On / Long-Off

Location: Deep straight fielders
Job: Catch big hits and stop sixes

Deep Cover, Deep Point, Deep Square

Location: Near boundaries
Job: Protect boundaries and collect lofted shots

Bonus Fielding Spots You Might Hear About

• Silly Point – Super close to batter on off side

• Short Leg – Close on the leg side, usually for spin

• Leg Slip – Like a regular slip but on the leg side

• Backward Point – Slightly behind the square, off side

• Extra Cover – Between cover and mid-off

These are more situational, often used in Tests and against specific batters.

How Captains Choose Fielding Positions

Captains don’t just randomly place players. They adjust the field based on:

• The batter’s style and favorite shots

• Type of bowler (pace or spin)

• Match situation (early overs vs death overs)

• Pitch conditions (bouncy, flat, turning)

• Game format (Test vs T20)

For example, in T20s, you’ll often see boundary riders like deep midwicket or long-on. In Tests, captains set traps with slips and short legs.

Quick Tips for Remembering Fielding Positions

Learning every name can feel overwhelming, but here are tips to make it stick:

• Watch live matches and follow the commentary

• Use mobile cricket games—they teach placement visually

• Use mnemonic devices like “Cows Corner” for deep midwicket

• Break the field into 4 quadrants and memorize 2 per side

With a little practice, it all starts making sense.

How Fielding Rules Change by Format

Test Matches

• More attacking fielders like slips and short legs

• Close-in fielders are common in early innings

• Strategy is long-term

One-Day Internationals (ODIs)

• Fielding restrictions apply (Powerplays)

• 4 fielders allowed outside circle after 40 overs

• More focus on cutting off boundaries

T20 Matches

• Ultra-fast games = aggressive fields

• Boundary riders in place early

• Mid-off and mid-on pushed back often

Captains have to think fast and make changes ball by ball.

What Skills Suit Which Fielding Positions?

Each spot demands something different:

• Slip and keeper: Fast hands and sharp reflexes

• Cover and point: Athletic, quick movers

• Outfielders: Strong throwers with long reach

• Close-in: Courage and quick reaction time

Good fielders often become match-winners without bowling or batting.

Final Thoughts: Why You Should Know These Positions

Understanding cricket fielding positions makes watching and playing the game so much better. It’s like reading a map during an adventure—you know where everyone is and why.

Whether you’re a beginner, parent of a cricket-loving kid, or just a fan, this guide helps you feel more connected to the game.

And remember, every time a fielder makes a brilliant stop or catches a ball inches from the turf—it all started with the right field position.

FAQs About Fielding Positions in Cricket

What are the most common fielding positions in cricket?

The most common ones include slip, cover, point, mid-on, mid-off, square leg, and long-on. These cover most game formats.

Who sets the fielding positions in a match?

Usually, the captain decides where fielders stand, often with input from the bowler and coach.

How many fielders can be on the leg side?

There’s a rule that limits teams to a maximum of five fielders on the leg side in most formats.

Why are fielding positions named so oddly?

Most names describe direction (like square leg or fine leg) or role (like slip or point), based on historical cricket terms.

Will learning fielding positions help me play better?

Absolutely. If you know where to stand and why, your game awareness improves, and your captain will trust you more during matches.