Top 11 Fielding Positions in Cricket Explained Simply
- Manan Joshi
- 5 hours ago
- 5 min read
Cricket is a game of strategy, precision, and positioning. While batting and bowling grab the headlines, cricket field positions play a key role in controlling the game. Knowing where fielders are placed and why can help fans understand the tactical layer of the sport.
Whether you're new to the game or a budding cricketer, understanding the top 11 fielding positions in cricket will give you a clearer view of how matches unfold.
This guide explains the cricket fielding positions in the simplest way possible. We'll break down the names, roles, and key locations on the field so that you can confidently follow the game and even set your own field.
In this article, we’ll walk through:
The basics of fielding positions in cricket
The difference between on-side and off-side
The top 11 fielding positions every player and fan should know
Practical examples and tips to remember them
Let’s start with the basics.
What Are Cricket Fielding Positions?
Cricket field positions refer to the specific areas where fielders are stationed during a match. These positions help restrict runs, apply pressure on batters, and create wicket-taking opportunities. The field is usually divided into two halves:
Off-side (the side facing the batter's front when in stance)
Leg-side or on-side (the opposite side of the batter's stance)
The captain and bowler decide the positions based on match situation, bowling style, and batter behavior.
How Many Fielding Positions Are There in Cricket?
There are over 30 recognized fielding positions in cricket, but not all are used at once. The fielding team can place 9 fielders (excluding the bowler and wicketkeeper) anywhere on the field, following rules that limit how many can be behind square or in certain areas during restricted overs formats like T20 and ODIs.
To make it easier, we’re focusing on the top 11 fielding positions that appear in most matches.
1. Slip
Where:
Next to the wicketkeeper on the off-side, behind the batter.
Role:
To catch edges from fast bowlers. Slips are reactive positions requiring quick hands and sharp reflexes. There can be multiple slip fielders: first slip, second slip, third slip, etc.
Best Used:
With fast bowlers
Against batters who edge a lot
In Test cricket during new ball spells
2. Gully
Where:
Between the slips and point position on the off-side, closer to the wicket.
Role:
Like slips, the gully is there to catch edges. It covers square drives and thick outside edges.
Best Used:
With seamers
When a batter likes playing square off the wicket
3. Point
Where:
Square on the off-side, roughly in line with the batter.
Role:
To stop square cuts and guide shots. The point fielder often saves boundaries and can be placed deep in limited-overs formats.
Best Used:
Against cut shots
In both fast and spin bowling
4. Cover
Where:
Between point and mid-off on the off-side.
Role:
To stop cover drives and sharp pushes. The cover fielder is often athletic, diving to cut off runs.
Best Used:
Against top-order batters who drive well
To cut off singles and protect boundaries
5. Mid-Off
Where:
Straight and wide on the off-side, closer to the bowler.
Role:
To stop straight drives and catch mistimed lofted shots.
Best Used:
To contain aggressive batters
When spinners are bowling
6. Mid-On
Where:
Straight and wide on the leg-side, mirroring mid-off.
Role:
Stops straight drives and supports the bowler’s follow-through. Also fields singles.
Best Used:
Against aggressive lofted shots
To support against on-drive plays
7. Mid-Wicket
Where:
On the leg-side, between square leg and mid-on.
Role:
To intercept flicks, on-drives, and pull shots. A very common position in all formats.
Best Used:
When bowlers target the batter’s pads
To prevent easy singles
8. Square Leg
Where:
Square on the leg-side, parallel to the batter.
Role:
Handles sweeps, flicks, and square pulls. Can be placed deep to stop boundaries.
Best Used:
Against spinners
For batters who play off their hips
9. Fine Leg
Where:
Behind the batter on the leg-side, near the boundary.
Role:
To catch top-edged hook shots and stop runs from flicks down the leg-side.
Best Used:
For short balls and bouncers
Against hook and sweep shots
10. Third Man
Where:
Behind the batter on the off-side, near the boundary.
Role:
To catch edges that fly past the slips and stop late cuts or guides.
Best Used:
When fast bowlers are bowling
To save boundaries behind point
11. Wicketkeeper
Where:
Directly behind the stumps.
Role:
The most important fielder. Responsible for catching, stumpings, and guiding the field. Needs quick reflexes and good awareness.
Best Used:
Always in play
Especially crucial in spin bowling and fast bowling with movement
Bonus Positions Often Used
While the above are the most commonly used, these are other essential cricket fielding positions to be aware of:
Short Leg: Very close to the batter on the leg-side
Silly Point: Close on the off-side, used against spinners
Deep Cover: On the boundary behind the cover position
Long On & Long Off: Boundary riders on either side of the pitch
Backward Point: Slightly behind square on the off-side
Deep Mid-Wicket: On the boundary near mid-wicket
Leg Slip: Like a slip but on the leg-side
These are used depending on game format, bowler type, and batter habits.
Tips to Remember Fielding Positions in Cricket
Off-side vs Leg-side: Understand the batter's stance first.
Fast vs Spin: Positions like slip and gully suit fast bowling, while silly point and short leg suit spin.
Inside Ring vs Boundary: Powerplays limit fielders outside the 30-yard circle.
Left vs Right Handed Batters: Positions mirror based on the batter’s handedness.
Why Cricket Field Positions Matter
Fielding is not just about stopping the ball; it’s about building pressure and creating chances. Placing fielders correctly can change the outcome of a match. It reflects the captain’s tactics, the bowler’s plan, and the batter’s strengths and weaknesses.
Understanding cricket field positions also makes watching cricket more engaging. You can predict field changes, understand bowler strategies, and analyze match situations better.
Conclusion
Cricket is a game of angles, anticipation, and awareness. Fielding positions are more than just spots on the ground—they’re key decisions that shape every over. Now that you know the top 11 cricket fielding positions, you’ll have a much better grip on how the game flows and why captains make certain choices.
Whether you're setting a field in gully cricket or trying to read a professional match, this guide is your go-to resource for understanding fielding positions in cricket.
Want to keep learning about cricket strategies and skills?
Explore more in-depth cricket articles on our blog and improve your knowledge of the game one position at a time.
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