The Names and Roles of Cricket Fielding Positions

Every player in cricket has a place and a purpose on the field. From slips to square leg, each fielding position serves a unique role in stopping runs or taking wickets. But if you’re new to the game, all those terms can sound a bit confusing.

In this guide, we’ll break down the names and roles of cricket fielding positions using simple language, easy examples, and practical explanations. By the end, you’ll know exactly what each spot means—and why it matters.

Why Knowing Cricket Field Positions Is Important

Cricket is all about smart field placement. Every bowler and captain sets a field based on the batsman’s style, the match format, and the pitch conditions. If you’re a player, coach, or even a fan, knowing these positions helps you:

• Understand match commentary

• Set smarter fields

• Follow the game more closely

• Improve your cricket strategy

The Two Main Sides of the Field

Before we get into names, it’s important to understand how the cricket field is divided:

• Off Side: This is the side in front of a right-handed batsman

• Leg Side (or On Side): This is the side behind the batsman’s back

For left-handers, the sides are reversed.

The placement of fielders depends on where the ball is likely to go based on the batsman’s handedness and shot style.

Common Cricket Fielding Positions and What They Do

Below are the most widely used cricket fielding positions, along with their main responsibilities. These are grouped based on how close or far they are from the batsman.

Close Catching Positions

These fielders stay near the bat, usually within 15 yards. They’re placed to catch the ball quickly off the edge or bat pad.

1. Wicket-Keeper

• Location: Behind the stumps

• Role: Catches balls the batsman misses, performs stumpings, and receives throws from fielders

2. Slip (1st, 2nd, 3rd Slip)

• Location: Next to the wicket-keeper

• Role: Catch edges from fast bowlers

3. Gully

• Location: Slightly squarer than slip

• Role: Catches edges and sliced shots

4. Silly Point

• Location: Very close on the off side

• Role: Traps bat-pad chances from spin bowlers

5. Short Leg

• Location: Close on the leg side

• Role: Catches bat-pad deflections from spinners

Inner Ring Fielders

These players stand around 20-30 yards from the batsman. Their main job is to stop quick singles and react fast.

6. Point

• Location: Square on the off side

• Role: Stops cut shots and ground strokes

7. Cover / Extra Cover

• Location: Between point and mid-off

• Role: Fields drives on the off side

8. Mid-Off

• Location: Straight on the off side

• Role: Stops straight drives, helps build pressure

9. Mid-On

• Location: Straight on the leg side

• Role: Fields full on-drives and supports run-outs

10. Mid-Wicket

• Location: Between mid-on and square leg

• Role: Blocks flicks and powerful pulls

11. Square Leg

• Location: Square on the leg side

• Role: Fields leg glances and flick shots

Outfield Positions

These fielders are placed near the boundary. Their job is to stop big hits and return the ball quickly to the stumps.

12. Third Man

• Location: Behind the batsman on the off side

• Role: Catches edges or misdirected shots

13. Fine Leg

• Location: Behind square on the leg side

• Role: Stops flicks and bouncers down leg

14. Deep Point

• Location: Same line as point, near the boundary

• Role: Catches square cuts and aggressive shots

15. Deep Cover

• Location: Near the boundary behind cover

• Role: Stops lofted off-side drives

16. Long-Off

• Location: Straight on the off side boundary

• Role: Fields straight lofted shots

17. Long-On

• Location: Straight on the leg side boundary

• Role: Similar to long-off but for leg-side shots

18. Deep Square Leg

• Location: Deep on the leg side

• Role: Stops strong pulls and sweeps

19. Deep Mid-Wicket

• Location: Between mid-wicket and long-on

• Role: Fields powerful leg-side shots

Unusual or Flexible Positions

Some positions aren’t fixed and depend on match situations.

20. Leg Slip

• Location: Behind the batsman on leg side

• Role: Catches glances from defensive batsmen

21. Backward Square Leg

• Location: Behind square on leg side

• Role: Stops nudges and glances

22. Fly Slip

• Location: Between slip and third man

• Role: Catch top edges or paddle scoops

Quick Recap: Fielding Positions by Role

For Catches:

• Slip

• Gully

• Short Leg

• Silly Point

• Leg Slip

For Saving Singles:

• Mid-off

• Mid-on

• Cover

• Point

• Square Leg

For Boundary Protection:

• Long-Off

• Long-On

• Deep Cover

• Third Man

• Deep Square Leg

How Fielding Positions Change with Bowlers

Fielders are placed differently based on whether the bowler is fast or a spinner.

Fast Bowlers:

• Use slips, gully, third man

• Outfielders cover big shots

• Focus is on catching edges

Spinners:

• Use short leg, silly point

• Inner ring becomes active

• Aim is to create pressure

How Captains Use Fielding to Win Matches

Captains must think ahead, read the batsman’s style, and adjust the field in real-time. Here’s how:

• Set attacking fields early to take wickets

• Shift to defensive fields to protect runs

• Mix up placements to force errors

• Use stronger arms in the deep for quick throws

Every fielder on the ground has a task. A smart captain uses them all like chess pieces.

Tips to Memorize Fielding Positions Fast

• Watch live matches with field maps

• Practice visualizing while watching highlights

• Play cricket games or simulations

• Ask teammates to quiz you during practice

Final Thoughts

Knowing the names and roles of cricket fielding positions helps you become smarter about the game. Whether you’re playing in your local league or enjoying a match on TV, this knowledge makes cricket more fun, more strategic, and more exciting.

Every position exists for a reason. With time, you’ll know exactly why that fielder stood at deep mid-wicket—and maybe even predict the next move!

FAQs About Cricket Fielding Positions

What are the 11 fielding positions in cricket?

There are many, but the most common ones are wicket-keeper, slip, gully, point, cover, mid-off, mid-on, square leg, fine leg, third man, and long-on.

Who decides the fielding positions?

The captain decides field placements, often with input from bowlers and coaches based on match conditions.

Where is the point position in cricket?

Point is located square on the off side, usually between the batsman and the backward point.

Why is a slip position used?

Slips are used to catch edges off the bat, especially when the ball moves or swings after pitching.

How do fielding positions change in T20 matches?

In T20s, most fielders are in the outfield to prevent boundaries, and positions change more often to handle aggressive hitting.