Cricket Fielding Positions

Cricket is a popular sport enjoyed by millions of people worldwide. One of the most critical aspects of the game is understanding the various cricket fielding positions.

Cricket positions on the field are crucial for strategy and success. The captain decides where fielders are placed, often in consultation with the bowler. Players can move between cricket positions on the field except when the bowler delivers the ball. 

Some positions are more common than others, but all are important for various tactical reasons. Knowing where each player stands and their roles can make the game more enjoyable and accessible.

A cricket field involves players positioned to collect the ball after the batter hits it. The aim is to limit runs or get the batter out. Many cricket positions are on the field, each with its name and location. These positions can be classified into the offside and leg side of the field.

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A Complete Guide to Cricket Fielding Positions and Player Roles

The diagram shows the layout of a cricket game. A right-handed batsman is positioned at the top of the central pitch, facing the bowler at the opposite end. The bowler is supported by a wicketkeeper positioned behind the batsman, and nine other fielders occupy various fielding positions marked on the diagram.

Two umpires oversee the game: one at the bowler’s end, responsible for counting the six balls in an over, and one at the square-leg position. At the end of the over, the umpires swap positions, and a new bowler begins from the top end, bowling to the batsman at the other end.

The outer boundary marks the perimeter of the field. If the batter hits the ball along the ground to the boundary, four runs are scored; if the ball is hit over the boundary without touching the ground, six runs are awarded.

In one-day cricket, the inner circle limits the number of fielders allowed in the outfield.

Basic Cricket Positions

There are 11 players in a cricket team. One is the bowler, and the other is the wicketkeeper. This leaves nine other fielding positions. These cricket fielding positions are not fixed and can be adjusted according to the game situation.

Common Cricket Fielding Positions

• Slip: Close to the wicketkeeper, ready to catch balls that edge off the bat. Multiple slips can be positioned, known as the slip cordon.
• Gully: A position next to the slips, waiting for edges.
• Point: On the offside, square to the wicket.
• Cover: In front of the point, covers a wide area on the offside.
• Mid-off: Close to the bowler, on the offside.
• Mid-on: Opposite mid-off, on the leg side.
• Square Leg: On the leg side, square to the wicket.
• Fine Leg: Near the boundary, behind the wicket on the leg side.

Offensive Fielding Positions

Some cricket positions are more aggressive, aimed at catching the batter out rather than stopping runs.

• Silly Point: Very close to the batter on the offside.
• Short Leg: Close on the leg side, also known as bat pad.
• Silly Mid-on/Mid-off: Close to the batter on either side of the bowler.
• Leg Slip: Similar to slip but on the leg side.
• Leg Gully: Similar to gully but on the leg side.

Defensive Fielding Positions

These positions are aimed at preventing boundaries and restricting runs.

• Deep Cover: Near the boundary on the offside.
• Deep Midwicket: Near the boundary on the leg side.
• Long Off/Long On: Near the boundary, straight behind the bowler on either side.
• Sweeper: Positioned on the boundary to sweep up balls hit past the infield.

Specialized Fielding Positions

• Cow Corner: Informal term for a position on the boundary between deep midwicket and long on.
• On the 45: Positioned on the leg side, 45 degrees behind the square.
• Long Stop: Behind the wicketkeeper towards the boundary, rarely seen in professional cricket.

Fielding Modifiers

Modifiers help describe the exact location and distance of fielders.

• Saving One: About 15-20 yards from the wicket to prevent a single run.
• Saving Two: About 50-60 yards from the wicket to prevent two runs.
• Deep/Long: Further away from the batter.
• Short: Closer to the batter.
• Silly: Very close to the batter.
• Square: Along an imaginary extension of the popping crease.
• Fine: Closer to the middle line of the pitch, behind square.
• Straight: Closer to the middle line of the pitch, in front of the square.
• Wide: Further from the middle line of the pitch.
• Forward: In front of square, towards the bowler.
• Backward: Behind the square, towards the batter.

The Cricket XI

Cricket can be a confusing sport for beginners due to its numerous terms and the fact that 13 people (11 players plus two umpires) are on the field at any given time. It’s not surprising that people struggle to understand each role.

From the cricket captain to the wicketkeeper, bowler, and fielder, every player has a specific role to play. A cricket team comprises 11 players, including a captain, a wicketkeeper, and several batters and bowlers.

When their team is not batting, each player is considered a fielder. It is up to each team to decide the balance between bowlers and batters, but ideally, there should be a good mix of both.

The Captain

The captain is the most responsible position in the team. The captain usually has a say in team selection and is responsible for making the call (either to bat or bowl first) at the toss of the coin before the match starts. The captain also sets out the tactics by telling fielders where to position themselves.

The Wicketkeeper

One of the most prominent positions of responsibility, the wicketkeeper retrieves the ball almost every time it is bowled unless it has been hit to another part of the field. The wicketkeeper must be alert to take every ball that comes their way.

Bowlers

Bowlers are responsible for taking wickets by bowling the batter out. They must bowl consistently to prevent the batters from scoring easy runs. A bowler usually delivers six balls before the next bowler from their side takes over from the other end of the cricket ground.

Batsmen or Batswomen

Batsmen or batswomen are responsible for scoring runs when it is their turn to bat. They must capitalize on poor deliveries from bowlers and always protect their stumps.

When the other team bats, all the players are on the opposing team’s field. There are numerous positions in which a player can play, often determined by factors like speed, catching ability, required tactics, and sometimes even bravery or seniority.

Conclusion

Understanding cricket positions on the field is essential for both players and fans. Each position has a specific role, whether it’s to catch the batter out or to prevent runs. The captain’s strategy in placing fielders can significantly influence the game’s outcome.

FAQs

Q1: What are the most common cricket positions?

Ans: Common cricket positions include slip, point, cover, mid-off, mid-on, square leg, and fine leg.

Q2: What is the role of a slip fielder?

Ans: The slip fielder stands close to the wicketkeeper to catch edges off the bat.

Q3: What does “silly” mean in cricket fielding positions?

Ans: “Silly” refers to positions very close to the batter, such as silly point or silly mid-off, due to the perceived danger.

Q4: What is a “sweeper” in cricket?

Ans: A sweeper is a fielder positioned near the boundary to prevent balls from reaching it and scoring four runs.

Q5: How does the captain decide on fielding positions?

Ans: The captain decides fielding positions based on the game situation, the batter’s tendencies, and the bowler’s strategy.