Cricket is a sport loved by millions around the world, yet it can be quite complex for newcomers to understand. One of the most intricate aspects is fielding positions. In this guide, we will break down the basics of cricket fielding positions to help you get a grasp of this fascinating game.

The Basics of Fielding Positions

Fielding positions in cricket refer to the strategic placements of fielders around the field to prevent runs and take wickets. Here are the primary fielding positions you should know:

1. Wicketkeeper: Positioned directly behind the stumps at the batsman’s end. The wicketkeeper’s role is to catch the ball if the batsman misses it and to perform stumpings and run-outs.
2. Slip: Positioned next to the wicketkeeper. Slips are there to catch balls that edge off the bat, often in the early stages of a batsman’s innings when they are more likely to make mistakes.
3. Gully: Positioned wider and slightly deeper than the slips, usually at an angle to catch edged shots that don’t carry to the slips.
4. Point: Positioned square of the wicket on the off side. The point fielder often catches cut shots and provides protection on the off side.
5. Cover: Positioned between point and mid-off, usually in the arc from point to mid-off. Covers prevent runs through the off side and catch drives.
6. Mid-off: Positioned straighter and closer to the bowler, on the off side. Mid-off stops drives and pushes on the off side.
7. Mid-on: Similar to mid-off but on the leg side. Mid-on stops straight drives and leg side shots.
8. Square Leg: Positioned square on the leg side. Square leg catches pulls and sweeps and stops leg side shots.
9. Fine Leg: Positioned behind square on the leg side. Fine leg catches glances and deflects and stops leg-side boundaries.
10. Third Man: Positioned deep behind the slips, near the boundary. Third man stops edges that go past the slips.
11. Long Off: Positioned on the boundary straight on the off side. Long off stops powerful drives and boundaries.
12. Long On: Positioned on the boundary straight on the leg side. Long on stops powerful leg-side shots and boundaries.
13. Deep Mid-Wicket: Positioned on the boundary on the leg side, between mid-wicket and square leg. Deep mid-wicket catches pulls and slog sweeps and stops leg-side boundaries.
14. Deep Cover: Positioned on the boundary on the off side. Deep cover stops off-side boundaries and catches lofted shots.

Scenarios and Images to Explain Fielding Positions

To further clarify these positions, let’s visualize them through different scenarios and images:

Scenario: Wicketkeeper and Slips

• Imagine a fast bowler delivering a ball. The batsman edges it, and the wicketkeeper or one of the slip fielders catches the ball.

Scenario: Point and Cover

• The batsman cuts a ball towards the off side. The point fielder dives to stop the ball or catch it.

Scenario: Mid-off and Mid-on

• The batsman drives the ball straight, and the mid-off or mid-on fielder stops it to prevent runs.

Scenario: Square Leg and Fine Leg

• The batsman pulls or glances the ball to the leg side. The square leg or fine leg fielder intercepts it.

Scenario: Deep Fielders (Long Off, Long On, Deep Mid-Wicket, Deep Cover)

• The batsman hits a powerful shot aiming for a boundary. The deep fielders positioned on the boundary line stop the ball.