FIELDING POSITIONS IN CRICKET: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

Fielding Positions in Cricket: Everything You Need to Know

Fielding Positions in Cricket: Everything You Need to Know

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Understanding cricket field positions is essential for anyone who wants to improve their knowledge of the game or play at a competitive level. Whether you're a fan trying to follow match commentary or a budding cricketer learning where to stand on the field, knowing fielding positions in cricket helps make sense of strategies, bowler decisions, and game flow.


In this guide, we’ll break down cricket fielding positions, what they mean, when they are used, and how they affect gameplay across different formats.


What Are Cricket Field Positions?


Cricket field positions refer to specific locations on the field where players are stationed to stop runs, take Cricket Field Positions catches, or build pressure on the batting side. These positions are generally categorized into two sides: the off-side and the leg-side (or on-side), based on the batter's stance.


The exact field setup can vary depending on the bowler’s type (pace or spin), the batter’s strengths, and match situations.


Off-Side vs Leg-Side: Basic Division


Off-Side


The off-side is the area in front of the batter’s body when facing the bowler. For a right-handed batter, it’s on their left-hand side.


Leg-Side (On-Side)


The leg-side is behind the batter’s body from their stance, on the right-hand side for a right-handed batter.


This division helps captains and bowlers set appropriate fields to control scoring and create wicket-taking chances.


Standard Fielding Positions in Cricket


Here’s a look at the commonly used fielding positions in cricket. These positions are often adjusted depending on tactics, match conditions, and game format.


1. Slip


Located behind the batter on the off-side, the slip fielder is key in catching edges off fast bowlers. More slips are added if the pitch offers swing or seam movement.


2. Gully


Placed between the slip and point, the gully intercepts edges that are not fine enough for slip catches. It’s often used with pace bowlers.


3. Point


Standing square on the off-side, point is used to cut off square drives and force batters into mistakes.


4. Cover


This position is in the extra-cover region, ideal for cutting off drives and creating pressure through tight fielding.


5. Mid-Off


Close to the bowler on the off-side, mid-off is used to stop straight drives and to back up run-outs.


6. Mid-On


The leg-side counterpart of mid-off, mid-on stops straight and on-side drives.


7. Square Leg


Placed square on the leg-side, this fielder is often used in catching and run-out positions.


8. Fine Leg


Fine leg is located behind square on the leg-side, often stationed for top edges or deflections.


9. Third Man


Third man is behind the batter on the off-side, usually to handle edges that pass the slip cordon.


10. Long-On and Long-Off


These deep positions are straight down the ground on both sides. They’re used in boundary protection during aggressive batting phases.


11. Deep Mid-Wicket


Located deep on the leg-side, this fielder is key during slog overs in limited-overs cricket.


12. Deep Square Leg


A deeper version of square leg, used to stop boundaries and catch mishits.


Close-In Fielding Positions


Silly Point


Located very close on the off-side, this position is for catching deflections off spin bowling.


Silly Mid-On


Similar to silly point, but on the leg-side. It requires bravery and sharp reflexes.


Short Leg


Just behind the batter on the leg-side, ideal for catching off bat-pad from spinners.


Leg Slip


Behind the batter on the leg side, this is used for deflected catches.


Fielding Restrictions and Rules


Powerplays in Limited-Overs Cricket


Modern formats like ODIs and T20s have specific fielding restrictions during the first few overs (Powerplay) and in the death overs.




  • In the first 6 overs (T20) or first 10 overs (ODI), only 2 fielders are allowed outside the 30-yard circle.




  • From overs Cricket Fielding Positions 11-40 in Fielding Positions in Cricket ODIs, 4 fielders can be outside.




  • In the final overs, 5 fielders are allowed outside the circle.




These rules impact how fielding positions in cricket are set.


Left-Handed vs Right-Handed Batter Field Setup


Fielding setups often shift depending on the batter’s handedness. A right-handed batter will face an off-side and leg-side arrangement that is mirrored for a left-hander.


This is crucial for captains to adjust fielders instantly between deliveries if there are left-right batting pairs.


Fielding Positions for Fast Bowlers


When pace bowlers are operating, slips, gully, point, and third man are commonly used. Mid-off and mid-on are often placed deeper. Fast bowlers rely on fielders who can take sharp catches and cover ground quickly.


Common fielding positions:




  • 2-3 slips




  • Gully




  • Point




  • Cover




  • Mid-off / Mid-on




  • Fine leg




  • Third man




Fielding Positions for Spinners


Spinners prefer to bring fielders closer to the bat. They use aggressive fielding to create catching opportunities from bat-pad deflections or mistimed shots.


Common fielding positions:




  • Slip




  • Leg slip




  • Silly point




  • Short leg




  • Mid-wicket




  • Square leg




  • Long-on / Long-off




Fielding Positions in Test Cricket


Test matches allow for more creative and aggressive field placements. Captains often use multiple slips, silly point, and short leg to apply pressure for long periods.


Because there's no over-limit restriction, fielding setups are adjusted purely for tactics, without any restrictions.


Fielding Positions in T20 Cricket


In T20 cricket, run prevention is as important as taking wickets. Fielders are mostly positioned on the boundary or in run-saving spots like:




  • Deep point




  • Deep mid-wicket




  • Long-on / Long-off




  • Third man




  • Fine leg




  • Cover and mid-wicket inside the circle




Aggressive positions like slips or silly point are rare unless early wickets fall.


How to Remember Fielding Positions Easily


Visual Field Maps


Using visual diagrams or field maps is one of the easiest ways to understand fielding positions in cricket. You can find detailed fielding position charts on many cricket coaching platforms or mobile apps.


Mnemonics and Practice


Regular viewing, playing simulations, and match participation help memorize where each position lies. Practicing under real match conditions reinforces understanding.


Why Fielding Positions Matter


Correct fielding positions can change the course of a match. A well-placed fielder can:




  • Cut down run flow




  • Build pressure on batters




  • Take crucial catches




  • Set traps for wicket-taking deliveries




Cricket is not just about bowling or batting. Fielding is the third pillar, and knowing how to position your players can be the difference between winning and losing.


Cricket Fielding Positions for Beginners


If you're new to the game, start by learning these 8 key fielding positions:




  • Slip




  • Point




  • Mid-off




  • Mid-on




  • Square leg




  • Fine leg




  • Third man




  • Cover




From there, you can move on to advanced positions based on your role in the team and format played.


Tools to Help Learn Cricket Fielding Positions


Several coaching platforms and apps like CricHeroes, CricViz, and other training tools now offer 3D visualizations, training videos, and field simulation drills to help new and experienced players understand the right field setups.


Final Thoughts


Understanding cricket fielding positions helps you enjoy and analyze the game at a deeper level. Whether you’re a player, coach, or fan, this knowledge is fundamental. From Test matches to T20 games, the field placement makes a big difference.


Now that Cricket Fielding Positions you Cricket Field Positions know the key cricket field positions, start applying them to your game or follow the action with more clarity and insight.

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