Cricket Fielding Positions Explained – Beginner’s Guide

Cricket Fielding Positions Explained A Complete Guide for Beginners 2026

January 11, 2026

Understanding Cricket Fielding Positions Explained is crucial for any new cricket fan or player. The fielding team has 11 players: one bowler and one wicket keeper, while the remaining nine fielders stand at various fixed spots on the large oval field. Each position is chosen strategically to stop runs or create catching chances.

For example, fielders on the off side (to the right of a right-handed batsman) and on the leg side (to the left) cover all angles. Captains arrange these positions based on the bowler’s plan and the batsman’s tendencies. A helpful way to see the field layout is via a diagram:

Diagram: Common cricket fielding positions for a right-handed batsman. The positions (slip, gully, point, cover, mid-off, mid-on, square leg, mid-wicket, fine leg, etc.) are shown. In this guide we’ll explain each major position and its role.

Fielding Team Structure and Goals

The fielding team’s main goal is to stop the batting team from scoring and to take wickets. To do this, fielders are placed in different zones: close, infield, and outfield. Close catchers (e.g. slip cordon, silly point, short leg) stand near the batsman to catch edges. Infielders (point, cover, mid-off, mid-on, square leg, mid-wicket) patrol inside the 30-yard circle to stop singles and block drives.

Outfielders (third man, deep cover, long-on, long-off, deep square leg, fine leg) stand near the boundary to prevent fours and sixes. The wicketkeeper stands directly behind the stumps, wearing gloves to catch balls the batsman misses. All these positions are part of a tactical plan: as explains, “the captain decides where everyone goes based on the plan to stop runs and take catches”.

In modern limited-overs cricket (ODIs and T20s), field restrictions also apply. Early in an innings, only two fielders can stand outside the 30-yard circle, forcing captains to keep more fielders close. In contrast, Test cricket has no such restrictions, allowing captains to place extra catchers like multiple slips or close-in fielders when the ball is new. As a result, T20 teams often sacrifice slip positions and spread fielders to the boundary (especially in death overs) to guard against powerful shots.

Off-Side Cricket Fielding Positions Explained

On the off side (batsman’s right for a right-hander), several key positions play both defensive and attacking roles.

Slip (First, Second, Third Slip)

Slip fielders form a cordon behind the batsman next to the wicketkeeper. First slip stands closest to the keeper, with second slip and third slip further away in a diagonal line. Their job is to catch edged balls from fast bowlers. As notes, “Fast bowlers use slips to catch edges. More slips mean more attacking field setups”. In Test cricket, teams often use 2–4 slips early on to exploit edges. Against spin bowlers, slips may be removed for tighter runs, but on a turning pitch the slip cordon can still surprise a batsman. (There is also a leg-slip, a rare mirror position on the leg side.)

Gully

Gully is an off-side fielder placed a bit squarer and deeper than slips. The gully stands roughly between the slips and point. As explains, “Gully stands wider than slips, catching thick edges”. This means gully covers the gap in the off side, intercepting edges that fly between the slip cordon and point. Captains often use a gully when the ball is swinging or off the pitch, giving more catching options. For example, early in a Test innings or when new batsmen arrive, gully is common to trap any nicked edges.

Point and Cover

Point is an off-side fielder standing square of the batsman (around the 3-o’clock position on a clock face). Point fields shots played square or slightly behind the square. notes point’s role: “Point stands square on the offside and fields cut shots”. Thus a fielder at point stops quick cuts and flat-batted drives square of the wicket. Often backward point is placed slightly wider behind point to stop powerful cuts and glances. In limited-overs cricket, point is crucial for saving runs when batsmen try cuts.

Cover (and extra cover) stand in front of point. Cover is on the off side, in front of the batsman at about 45 degrees from wicket. Extra cover is between point and mid-off. Their role is to intercept drives through the off side. For example, mid-off covers straight drives on the off side, while cover fields driving shots played a bit squarer. These infielders prevent easy singles and force batsmen to play riskier shots.

Third Man

Third man is a deep off-side position near the boundary (around the 2–3 o’clock area). This fielder stops or catches edges that fly past the slip cordon. As describes, Third Man stands fine behind the wicket on the off-side, catching edges that fly past slips. In practice, if a batsman nudges or edges the ball wide, third man sprints in to save runs. In Test matches, third man is often left to fine leg fielders (or the keeper) unless many slips are in place. In one-day cricket, a fielder at third man helps prevent easy 4s down the side.

Mid-Off and Long-Off

Mid-off is a straight boundary position on the off side, roughly halfway to the ropes. Mid-off stands near where a straight drive might be hit, and tries to catch lofted shots or stop boundaries. For example, if a batsman hits a slightly mis-timed drive down the ground, the mid-off fielder can catch or field it. His leg-side counterpart is mid-on, positioned symmetrically on the leg side.

Long-off is deeper down the ground on the off side, close to the boundary line. Similarly, long-on is deep leg side. These straight-boundary fielders act as last lines of defense for powerful straight hits. Batsmen often target long-on or long-off for big shots, so placing a fast outfielder there is a common ODI/T20 strategy.

Leg-Side Fielding Positions

On the leg side (the batsman’s left), fielders cover deflected shots and hooks.

Mid-Wicket

Mid-wicket is on the leg side between square leg and mid-on (roughly 8–9 o’clock). This fielder intercepts shots played into the leg side arc. If a batsman pulls or flicks the ball weakly, the mid-wicket fielder can catch or field it. In one-day formats, mid-wicket often guards the mid-wicket boundary against big pulls.

Square Leg and Fine Leg

Square leg stands square on the leg side (around 9 o’clock), about 15–30 yards from the bat. This fielder blocks shots played off the pads or hips, like glance shots and fine pulls. notes Square Leg’s role: it “plays a crucial role in intercepting shots that are hit powerfully off the batsman’s pads”. A close variation is backward square leg, which sits slightly behind square and covers hook shots from shorter-pitched balls.

Fine leg stands deep behind the batsman on the leg side, near the boundary (around 8 o’clock). This fielder catches or stops balls that deflect off the bat or pads down the leg side. Often, balls glancing off pads or edges from a left-handed batsman travel to fine leg. A fine leg fielder must be quick and have a strong arm to return balls. (There is also long leg, very deep fine leg, and silly leg, very close to the bat on leg side, used mainly in spin bowling settings.)

Close-In Catchers

Some positions are very close to the batsman and used mainly to pressure them:

Wicketkeeper: Stands right behind the stumps (usually 1–2 yards off) wearing gloves and pads. The keeper catches any ball the batsman misses and attempts stumpings (dismissing a batsman who leaves the crease). Every delivery involves the keeper, so this is a key tactical position.
Silly Point: Close to the batsman on the off side, almost next to the pitch. This brave fielder (wearing a helmet) catches sharp deflections off the bat or pad.
Short Leg: Near the batsman on the leg side, ready for balls popped up or glanced. This fielder watches for mishits off the pads.
Silly Mid-Off and Silly Mid-On: Very close to the batsman on the off and leg sides, respectively. They are often used against spinners to catch bat-pad edges or mis-hits at close range.

These close-in positions are more common in Test cricket when fielders can safely crowd the bat for catches. In shorter formats, they are used sparingly since batsmen play more aggressively.

Outfield and Deep Positions

Outfielders play near the boundary to protect against big hits. Besides long-off, long-on, third man, and fine leg already mentioned, other deep roles include:

Cow Corner: A deep leg-side spot between mid-wicket and long-on. Named humorously, it’s placed when batsmen are hitting aerial shots in that region (common in ODIs/T20s).
Deep Cover/Extra Cover: On the off side near the boundary, covering drive areas for lofted shots.
Deep Square Leg: Leg side, boundary, behind square, for powerful pulls or hooks.

In limited-overs games, teams often place most fielders in deep positions during the “death overs” to stop boundaries. For instance, a T20 batting onslaught may see 5–6 fielders near the ropes (deep mid-wicket, deep cover, deep square, third man, long-off, long-on, etc.).

Cricket Fielding Positions Explained Strategy by Format and Bowler

Field placement changes with match format and bowler type. Against fast bowlers, captains put more slip and gully fielders to catch edges (an attacking field). After a wicket or with a swinging ball, they might use 3–4 slips, point, mid-off, mid-on, fine leg, and third man (a classic attacking Test setup). Against spinners, captains often bring fielders in close (silly point, short leg, slip) to catch mishits, balanced by a few deep riders (long-on, deep square) to prevent big shots. In ODIs/T20s, boundaries are prioritized: fewer slips are used (often just one or none), and more fielders are on the ropes.

Tip: Beginners often use the “clock face” analogy to visualize positions: imagine the batsman at the center, the bowler at 6 o’clock. Then 12 o’clock is straight down the ground, 3 o’clock is square off side (point/cover), 9 o’clock is square leg, and 2, 4, 8, 10 o’clock indicate mid-off, mid-wicket, deep cover, deep mid-wicket, etc.. This mental clock helps when you hear commentary (“fielder at deep mid-wicket” = around 9-10 o’clock).

FAQ – Cricket Fielding Positions Explained

What is a slip fielder?

A slip fielder stands behind the wicket keeper (on the off side) in a diagonal cordon (first slip, second slip, etc.). Their job is to catch balls that edge off the bat when a batsman plays a shot (especially against fast bowling).

What is the gully position?

Gully is an off-side position between the slips and point. A gully fielder catches hard edges that fly off to the side. Captains use gully especially when the ball is swinging or the batsman tends to edge the ball.

What does the wicketkeeper do?

The wicket keeper stands directly behind the stumps, wearing gloves. They catch any balls the batsman misses and can stump the batsman out if they stray forward. The keeper also often directs the fielding positions and assists in run-outs.

Where is third man?

Third Man is a deep off-side position near the boundary, fine of the wicket (around 2–3 o’clock). This fielder intercepts edges or deflections that go past the slip cordon.

How many fielding positions are there?

There are over 50 named positions (including variations), but most teams use about 20–25 common ones regularly. Beginners should focus on learning the main ones (slip, gully, point, covers, mid-off/on, square leg, mid-wicket, fine leg, long off/on, etc.).

This article has been researched and reviewed by the SportsUpdate24h Editorial Team to ensure accuracy and reliability.