Understanding Fielding Positions in Cricket

Fielding is a crucial aspect of cricket, and the placement of fielders on the field can make a significant difference in the game's outcome. In this blog, we will explore the various fielding positions in cricket and their specific roles.

I. Slip:

The slip is a fielding position located behind the wicketkeeper on the off-side of the field. Slip fielders are positioned to catch any edges that the batsman may hit. Slip positions are numbered from first slip to fourth slip, and the closer the slip fielder is to the wicket-keeper, the lower the number.

II. Point:

Point is a fielding position located behind the batsman on the off-side of the field. The point fielder is responsible for stopping or catching any balls hit in that direction, as well as supporting the slip fielders.

III. Cover:

Cover is a fielding position located on the off-side of the field, between point and mid-off. The cover fielder is responsible for stopping or catching any balls hit in that direction, as well as supporting the slip and point fielders.

IV. Mid-Off:

Mid-off is a fielding position located on the off-side of the field, between cover and the bowler's end. The mid-off fielder is responsible for stopping or catching any balls hit in that direction, as well as stopping any runs between the wickets.

V. Mid-On:

Mid-on is a fielding position located on the on-side of the field, between mid-wicket and the bowler's end. The mid-on fielder is responsible for stopping or catching any balls hit in that direction, as well as stopping any runs between the wickets.

VI. Square Leg:

The square leg is a fielding position located on the on-side of the field, between mid-wicket and fine leg. The square leg fielder is responsible for stopping or catching any balls hit in that direction, as well as stopping any runs between the wickets.

VII. Fine Leg:

Fine leg is a fielding position located on the on-side of the field, behind the batsman's legs. The fine leg fielder is responsible for stopping or catching any balls hit in that direction, as well as stopping any runs between the wickets.

  

 Other Fielding Positions:

There are several other fielding positions in cricket, such as the gully, which is a fielding position between the point and the slips, and the deep fielders, positioned on the boundary to stop any balls hit for four or six runs.

IX. Long On:

Long on is a fielding position located on the on-side of the field, near the boundary. The long-on fielder is responsible for stopping or catching any balls hit in that direction, as well as stopping any runs between the wickets.

X. Long Off:

Long off is a fielding position located on the off-side of the field, near the boundary. The long off fielder is responsible for stopping or catching any balls hit in that direction, as well as stopping any runs between the wickets.

XI. Deep Midwicket:

The deep midwicket is a fielding position located on the on-side of the field, near the boundary. The deep midwicket fielder is responsible for stopping or catching any balls hit in that direction, as well as stopping any runs between the wickets.

XII. Deep Square Leg:

The deep square leg is a fielding position located on the on-side of the field, near the boundary. The deep square leg fielder is responsible for stopping or catching any balls hit in that direction, as well as stopping any runs between the wickets.

XIII. Sweeper:

A sweeper is a fielding position located on the boundary on either side of the field. The sweeper fielder is responsible for stopping any balls hit towards the boundary, and preventing any runs from being scored.

XIV. Third Man:

The third man is in a fielding position located on the boundary on the off-side of the field. The third-man fielder is responsible for stopping any balls hit toward the boundary, and preventing any runs from being scored.

XV. Extra Cover:

Extra cover is a fielding position located on the off-side of the field, between cover and mid-off. The extra cover fielder is responsible for stopping or catching any balls hit in that direction, as well as supporting the slip, point, and cover fielders.

XVI. Short Leg:

The short leg is a fielding position located on the on-side of the field, close to the batsman. The short-leg fielder is responsible for stopping or catching any balls hit in that direction and is positioned to catch any balls that may hit the batsman's pads or gloves.

XVII. Silly Point:

A silly point is a fielding position located on the off-side of the field, close to the batsman. The silly point fielder is responsible for stopping or catching any balls hit in that direction and is positioned to catch any balls that may hit the batsman's pads or gloves.

XVIII. Backward Point:

Backward point is a fielding position located on the off-side of the field, behind point. The backward point fielder is responsible for stopping or catching any balls hit in that direction, as well as supporting the slip and cover fielders.

XIX. Deep Cover:

The deep cover is a fielding position located on the off-side of the field, near the boundary. The deep cover fielder is responsible for stopping or catching any balls hit in that direction, as well as stopping any runs between the wickets.

XX. Short Fine Leg:

Short fine leg is a fielding position located on the on-side of the field, close to the batsman. The short fine-leg fielder is responsible for stopping or catching any balls hit in that direction and is positioned to catch any balls that may hit the batsman's pads or gloves.

XXI. Deep Mid-Off:

Deep mid-off is a fielding position located on the off-side of the field, near the boundary. The deep mid-off fielder is responsible for stopping or catching any balls hit in that direction, as well as stopping any runs between the wickets.

XXII. Deep Extra Cover:

Deep extra cover is a fielding position located on the off-side of the field, near the boundary. The deep extra cover fielder is responsible for stopping or catching any balls hit in that direction, as well as stopping any runs between the wickets.

XXIII. Deep Backward Square Leg:

Deep backward square leg is a fielding position located on the on-side of the field, near the boundary. The deep backward square leg fielder is responsible for stopping or catching any balls hit in that direction, as well as stopping any runs between the wickets.

XXIV. Cow Corner:

Cow corner is a fielding position located on the on-side of the field, near the boundary. The cow corner fielder is responsible for stopping or catching any balls hit in that direction, as well as stopping any runs between the wickets. This position is often used in limited-overs cricket when the batsman aims to hit the ball over the mid-wicket area.

XXV. Point Sweeper:

A point sweeper is a fielding position located on the off-side of the field, near the boundary. The point sweeper fielder is responsible for stopping any balls hit towards the point boundary, and preventing any runs from being scored.
Gully


Gully and silly point are two important fielding positions in cricket 

especially in the Test format. Both positions are located close to the batsman on the off-side of the field and require fielders with quick reflexes and good catching skills.

Gully is a fielding position located between the slips and point on the off-side of the field. The gully fielder is responsible for stopping or catching any balls hit in that direction. The position is often used against batsmen who are prone to playing the ball with an open face of the bat, which can result in edge catches.

Silly point is a fielding position located on the off-side of the field, close to the batsman. The silly point fielder is positioned to catch any balls that may hit the batsman's pads or gloves and are responsible for stopping or catching any balls hit in that direction. This position is often used when the bowler is bowling a spin delivery, as it can cause the ball to spin sharply and result in catches close to the bat.