Understanding Cricket Fielding Positions: A Simple Guide for Beginners

Cricket is more than just hitting and bowling. One of its most strategic parts is fielding—and knowing where players stand can change everything. If you’re new to the game, terms like “gully” or “third man” might sound confusing. But don’t worry—this simple guide will break down cricket fielding positions in an easy and engaging way.

Whether you’re watching a match or learning how to play, understanding cricket field positions helps you follow the game better and enjoy it more.

Let’s get started!

Why Do Fielding Positions in Cricket Matter?

Every fielding position has a purpose. They’re not just scattered randomly. Captains place players depending on the batter’s style, the bowler’s plan, pitch conditions, and even match format.

Here’s why they matter:

• Stop runs and create pressure.
• Take catches and dismiss batters.
• Cut boundaries by covering gaps.
• Support the bowler’s strategy.

In short, smart field placements can turn a match around.

The Cricket Field: A Quick Overview

Before we jump into positions, it’s helpful to understand the field layout.

• The field is usually circular or oval.
• The pitch sits in the center—22 yards long.
• The field has two key zones:
  • Off side: The side the batter faces (if right-handed, it’s their left).
  • Leg side or on side: The opposite side.

Now, let’s break down the field into key areas where players are positioned.

Main Types of Fielding Positions in Cricket

There are three major zones in cricket:

1. Close-in Fielding Positions
2. Inner Ring Positions
3. Outfield Positions

Each area plays a different role, depending on the bowler’s pace and the match situation.

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1. Close-in Fielding Positions

These players stand close to the batter—often just a few feet away. They’re placed to catch the ball off the bat quickly.

Common Positions:

• Slip: Located beside the wicketkeeper. Ideal for catching edges from fast bowlers.
• Gully: Positioned between slip and point. Great for sharp, flying edges.
• Short Leg: Just behind the batter on the leg side. Used in spin bowling to catch flicks.
• Silly Point: Right near the batter’s off-side. It’s risky but can get quick results.
• Leg Slip: Like slip, but on the leg side.

Best Used When: The pitch helps bowlers, or the batter is playing risky shots.

2. Inner Ring Positions

This zone covers about 30 yards from the pitch. These fielders are key to stopping quick singles and applying pressure.

Common Positions:

• Point: On the off side, square with the batter. Quick reflexes needed here.
• Cover: In front of the batter on the off side.
• Mid-off: Straighter than cover, near the bowler.
• Mid-on: On the leg side, also close to the bowler.
• Midwicket: On the leg side, between square leg and mid-on.
• Square Leg: Directly across on the leg side.

Fun Fact: Fielders in this zone often prevent 30% to 40% of potential singles in limited-overs cricket!

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3. Outfield Positions

These players cover the boundaries. Their job is to stop big hits and save fours and sixes.

Common Positions:

• Third Man: Behind the batter on the off side.
• Deep Point: Far on the off side.
• Deep Cover: Wider than point.
• Long-off: Near the boundary, straight on the off side.
• Long-on: Same as long-off but on the leg side.
• Deep Midwicket: On the leg side, near the ropes.
• Deep Square Leg: Behind square on the leg side.
• Fine Leg: Close to the boundary on the leg side.

Used Most In: T20 and ODI formats, where big shots are common.

How Captains Decide Fielding Positions

Great field placement isn’t guesswork—it’s strategy. Here are some key factors captains consider:

• Batter’s strength (leg side vs. off side)
• Bowler type (pace or spin)
• Match format (Test vs. T20)
• Score and match situation
• Pitch conditions

Let’s look at this in more detail.

Bowler Type

Fast Bowlers: Use more slips, gullies, and third man. You’ll also see fine leg and square leg to handle edges and short balls.

Spin Bowlers: Prefer close-in catchers like short leg, silly point, and deep fielders on both sides to catch lofted shots.

Batter’s Style

• If a right-hander prefers playing off the back foot, expect a stronger off-side field.
• A left-hander who sweeps often? Deep square leg and fine leg are ready!

Captains often study past innings or live analytics before making these choices.

Common Fielding Setups for Different Formats

Test Cricket

• Focus is on getting wickets.
• More close-in fielders.
• Slower pace = More strategic placement.

Popular setup: 3 slips, gully, point, mid-off, mid-on, short leg, square leg.

ODI (One-Day Internationals)

• Field restrictions apply.
• First 10 overs: Only 2 outfielders allowed.
• Middle overs: Spinners bowl with defensive fields.
• End overs: Boundary riders protect runs.

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T20 Matches

• Aggressive batting means smart fielding is a must.
• Expect more deep fielders.
• Saving boundaries is key.

Popular setup: Deep cover, long-on, long-off, deep midwicket, third man.

Fun Facts About Fielding Positions

• Most runs are saved by point and cover fielders in T20 cricket.
• Jonty Rhodes once saved over 30 runs in a single ODI just by fielding!
• Ricky Ponting and Rahul Dravid were known for their sharp reflexes in slips.

Tips to Learn Cricket Fielding Positions Fast

1. Watch live games and focus on fielder movement.
2. Use diagrams or printable field maps.
3. Play games and try different spots on the field.
4. Ask your coach to explain common setups.
5. Repeat names aloud while watching matches.

Quick Cricket Field Positions Glossary

Here’s a handy list of fielding spots you’ll often hear:

Position	Zone	Side
Slip	Close-in	Off side
Gully	Close-in	Off side
Point	Inner ring	Off side
Cover	Inner ring	Off side
Mid-off	Inner ring	Off side
Mid-on	Inner ring	Leg side
Midwicket	Inner ring	Leg side
Square Leg	Inner ring	Leg side
Long-off	Outfield	Off side
Long-on	Outfield	Leg side
Deep Cover	Outfield	Off side
Fine Leg	Outfield	Leg side

Why Kids and New Fans Should Learn Fielding Positions

• It helps you understand the game faster.
• You’ll enjoy matches more.
• It builds confidence if you’re starting to play.

Even if you’re just a fan, it feels good when you know exactly why a fielder is standing in that spot.

Final Thoughts

Cricket is a game of planning, patience, and quick reactions. And fielding is one of its strongest weapons. Now that you understand the cricket fielding positions, you’ll watch and play with more confidence.

So the next time a commentator says, “He’s placed a second slip and deep square leg,” you’ll know exactly what that means.

FAQs: Fielding Positions in Cricket

What are the 5 key fielding positions in cricket?
Slip, point, cover, mid-off, and square leg are some of the most common and important fielding positions.

Who decides fielding positions in cricket?
The team captain usually decides the fielding placements, sometimes with input from the bowler or coach.

Where do you place fielders in T20 cricket?
In T20, captains often place more fielders on the boundary to stop big hits—like deep midwicket, long-on, and deep cover.

Why are slip fielders so close to the batter?
Slip fielders catch edges off fast bowlers. The ball travels fast, so they must react quickly—standing close increases the chance of catching it.

How many fielders can be outside the circle in limited-overs cricket?
During the powerplay, only 2 fielders are allowed outside the 30-yard circle. After that, up to 5 can stay out.

Will learning field positions help me improve at cricket?
Absolutely! Knowing where to stand and why gives you a big edge—both in fielding and understanding the game.