Cricket fielding positions play a vital role in shaping a team’s defensive and attacking strategies. Each position is named based on its angle and distance from the batter, and understanding them adds depth to watching or playing the game.
In Test matches, fielders are positioned close to the batter, such as slips, silly point, or short leg, to create wicket-taking pressure. In contrast, ODIs and T20s demand more spread-out fields with positions like deep square leg, long-off, and third man to limit runs and cover boundaries quickly.
Field settings constantly adapt based on the game format, bowler type, and batter’s strengths.
This article takes a closer look at the main fielding positions and how they differ across formats in modern cricket.
What Are the Fielding Positions in Cricket?
Fielding positions in cricket refer to the specific spots where players are placed on the field to stop runs or take catches. These positions are named based on their direction and distance from the batter.
Common positions include slips, gully, point, cover, mid-off, mid-on, square leg, fine leg, and third man. Some positions are close to the batter for catching opportunities, while others are placed on the boundary to stop big shots.
The captain sets the field based on the bowler’s plan and the batter’s strengths. Understanding these positions helps you read the game better and recognize tactical shifts during a match.
Cricket Fielding Positions – Overview
Cricket fielding positions are a crucial part of the game’s strategy, designed to support the bowler and restrict the batter’s scoring opportunities.
The field is generally divided into two halves: the offside and leg-side. Positions can be close to the batter, like slip or silly point, or further away, like long-on or deep midwicket.
Depending on the format—Test, ODI, or T20—field placements shift to focus more on wicket-taking or run-saving. The captain and bowler work together to set the most effective field.
Knowing these positions gives fans and players a deeper understanding of how teams plan and react during a match.
Cricket Fielding Positions Names & Roles
Cricket fielding positions are strategically divided based on their distance and angle from the batter. Each area of the field has its own purpose, and fielders are placed accordingly to either build pressure, take wickets, or prevent boundaries.
The Close Infield is mainly used in longer formats where catchers surround the batter to exploit any slight mistakes or edges. These positions demand sharp reflexes and fearless fielding.
The Inner Ring forms the first line of defense in the field, cutting off quick singles and applying pressure through tight fielding.
The Outfield is set deeper to control big hits and save boundaries, especially important in limited-overs formats where run-saving becomes crucial.
| Pitch Area | Position Names |
|---|---|
| Close Infield | WicketkeeperThe SlipsGullyLeg SlipLeg GullySilly PointSilly Mid-OffShort LegSilly Mid-On |
| Inner Ring | PointBackward PointMId-OffCoverExtra CoverMid-OnSquare LegBackward Square LegMid WicketFine Leg |
| Outfield | Third ManLong LegCow CornerDeep PointDeep Backward PointDeep CoverDeep Extra CoverDeep Fine LegDeep Square LegDeep Mid WicketLong-OffLong-On |
Let’s take a closer and more detailed look at all the different areas of the pitch,
1. Close Infield
This area surrounds the batter within a short distance from the crease, often used for catching opportunities.
Fielders here, like Silly Point, Short Leg, or Slips, stand very close to react quickly to edges or mistimed shots. It’s a key zone for creating pressure and taking wickets in Test cricket, especially.
2. Inner Ring
The inner ring includes fielders positioned within 30 yards of the batter, spread out on both off and leg sides.
Fielders like Point, Cover, and Mid-On try to cut off quick singles and stop boundaries. It balances both defensive and attacking roles, mainly used in limited-overs formats to control scoring.
3. Outfield
The outfield lies beyond the 30-yard circle, covering the boundary area. Fielders here—like Deep Cover or Long-On—are positioned to stop big shots or catch lofted hits.
This area plays a crucial role in saving runs and fielding boundaries, especially in T20 and ODI matches where power-hitting is common.
Cricket Fielding Positions: The Captain’s Role
The captain plays a vital role in setting fielding positions, making tactical decisions based on the game format, pitch conditions, bowler type, and the batter’s strengths or weaknesses.
A good captain reads the match situation and adjusts the field accordingly—placing catchers for attacking plays or spreading the field to defend boundaries.
In Tests, captains often go for aggressive fields to create pressure, while in T20s and ODIs, they balance between saving runs and taking wickets. Communication with bowlers and quick decision-making are key, as the right field can turn the tide of a game.
Ultimately, the captain’s field placements reflect the team’s overall strategy and mindset during different phases of the match.
Fielding Strategies in Different Formats
Fielding strategies in cricket vary greatly across formats—Test, ODI, and T20—based on match duration, scoring pressure, and fielding restrictions. Captains must adapt their plans to balance wicket-taking with run-saving.
Test Cricket
In Test cricket, there are no fielding restrictions. Captains can place fielders anywhere on the ground, often using close-in catchers like slips, gully, and short leg to create pressure and force mistakes over long spells. The focus is on patience and precision.
ODI Cricket
In ODIs, fielding restrictions apply:
- First 10 overs (Powerplay 1): Only 2 fielders allowed outside the 30-yard circle.
- Overs 11–40: Up to 4 fielders allowed outside.
- Last 10 overs (41–50): 5 fielders allowed outside.
These rules force captains to be creative, especially in death overs, where they need boundary protection without compromising wicket chances.
T20 Cricket
In T20s, the restrictions are tighter:
- First 6 overs (Powerplay): Only 2 fielders outside the 30-yard circle.
- Overs 7–20: Maximum of 5 fielders outside.
T20 field settings are focused on defending boundaries, stopping quick singles, and reacting to aggressive batting. Fielders are usually placed deep, and captains often shift them frequently based on the batter’s shot preferences.
Each format demands a unique approach, and smart field placements are essential to a team’s overall success.
In limited-overs formats, if the fielding team fails to complete their overs within the allotted time, penalty measures are enforced—most notably, being allowed one fewer fielder outside the 30-yard circle for the remainder of the innings, adding pressure on the bowling side and rewarding the batting team.
Cricket’s Most Memorable Fielding Arrangements
Let’s take a look at two of the most memorable fielding setups arranged by a captain in an international cricket match.
Australia vs South Africa, ICC Cricket World Cup 1999
One of the most iconic fielding arrangements was during the 1999 World Cup when Steve Waugh placed a “packed off-side field” to counteract a rampaging Lance Klusener.
Zimbabwe vs Australia, 23 October 1999
In the 1999 match against Zimbabwe, Australia once again showed their aggressive fielding tactics by placing 9 fielders in slip positions, a bold strategy designed to put immense pressure on the batting side and force errors, highlighting their commitment to attacking cricket even in difficult situations.
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Conclusion: Learn about Different Cricket Fielding Positions
In conclusion, fielding positions in cricket are not just about placement but play a strategic role in shaping the outcome of the game. From the aggressive setups in Tests to the more calculated placements in limited-overs, each position has a clear purpose in either saving runs or taking wickets.
A well-set field can force the batter into mistakes, while an unplanned or passive fielding arrangement can let opportunities slip away. Fielding positions also reflect the captain’s tactical vision and a team’s ability to adapt to changing game scenarios.
Ultimately, mastering fielding positions is essential for every cricketer, as it influences the overall performance and success of the team.
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