The dialogue from the movie M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story – “A bowler will take wickets, a good batsman will score runs in some matches and not in others, but a good fielder will save runs in every match” – highlights the crucial role of fielding in cricket. While batting and bowling are essential for winning, fielding is often overlooked. Good fielding saves runs and can change the course of the game. Strategic fielding positions, like when Dhoni placed Hayden at mid-off against Pollard in the 2010 IPL, can be game-changers. Fielding is vital in every match, influencing the outcome significantly.
In a cricket match, the fielding team has 11 players on the field: one bowler, one wicketkeeper, and nine fielders. The fielding positions in professional matches depend on many factors such as powerplay, spin bowling or pace bowling, new or old ball, type of ball (tennis or leather), pitch condition, bowling end, boundary length, the batsman, and other factors. Terms like midwicket and deep third man might sound confusing, but don’t worry, E28bangla is here to help. In today’s chapter of E28bangla Explains, here is your comprehensive guide to cricket fielding positions that will help you become a master tactician.
A cricket ground has two main areas: the 30-yard circle (highlighted in light green in the pictures) and the area beyond that circle up to the boundary. Every position inside the circle has a corresponding deep version, which is just an extension of the position but closer to the boundary. The word ‘Deep’ is added to the name of each fielding position when a player is fielding near the boundaries.
Wicket Keeping
Wicket keeping is the most important fielding position in cricket. The wicket keeper stands behind the batsman and stumps, with quick reflexes to take fast catches. They assist the captain with decisions like DRS and can mentally challenge the batsman. With E28bangla top kit, you’ll feel like the best keeper and dominate the game.
Slips:
The slip fielding position is for top fielders. They stand beside the wicketkeeper, on either side of the pitch. Only players with quick reflexes can catch well here. It’s tough for batsmen, especially with bowlers like James Anderson and legends like Smith and Kohli. Learn batting tips from E28bangla to avoid edges.
Gulley
Gulley is the position between point and slip. The fielder is not exactly at slip or point, but is placed in a spot to provide extra protection between them.
Mid on and Mid off:
Mid on and Mid off are fielding positions near the pitch within the 30-yard circle. Their job is to stop straight shots hit by the batsman. If you stop a drive with a dive during the powerplay, you’ll be a hero. These fielders need agility, a strong throw, and good communication with bowlers. Captains are often seen in these positions unless they are in another fielding spot.
Long On & Long Off:
These two positions are deeper versions of mid on and mid off, with fielders standing near the boundary. You must be quick and have great catching skills to field here. Many amazing catches have been made in these spots, like the diving catches by Virat Kohli and Kieron Pollard.
Third Man & Fine Leg Positions:
The third man and fine leg positions are behind the batsman and close to the boundary. However, during powerplay restrictions, they can be inside the 30-yard circle. The third man is on the off side, while the fine leg is on the leg side of the batsman.
Point:
Any ball hit toward the offside square should be fielded by the player at point. The cut and square cut shots played by the batsman often run fast toward the boundary. Therefore, the point fielder needs to be quick and cover a lot of ground in a short time.
The deep point stands at the boundaries.
The backward point position is where the fielder at the point or deep point is moved slightly towards the third man.
Cover Position:
- The cover position is on the offside and usually helps stop shots like the cover drive from going to the boundary during the powerplay. The deep cover at the boundary covers a lot of ground and is placed to stop lofted cover drives, inside-out shots, and other offside shots.
- The extra cover position is between point and cover. It’s an extra fielder placed during the powerplay to stop backfoot drives and square drives from the batsman. The deep version of this fielding position is called deep extra cover.
Square Leg:
- The square leg is positioned on the leg side, near the square of the wickets. This fielder has to stop pull shots, sweeps, and hooks played by the batsman. The deep square leg is a harder position to field than square leg.
- The backward square leg is like a backward point, but on the leg side, and is placed closer to the fine leg based on fielding strategies.
Mid Wicket:
The fielder at midwicket on the leg side is one of the best in the team. This is the spot where the ball is hit most frequently. Deep midwicket is where you usually see Jadeja fielding.
Close Fielding Positions:
These fielding positions are very close to the batsman and are mainly used in test cricket to put extra pressure on the batsman. The fielders in these positions take advantage of any mistake the batsman makes and catch the ball when the batsman mis-hits. These positions are very risky and dangerous, and many players get injured while fielding there. But since cricket is a game of strength and determination, these players give their best for the team.
Make sure to wear proper cricket protection when fielding in these positions to avoid injuries. These positions include silly point, silly mid-on/mid-off, and short leg.
Now that you know all about fielding positions in cricket, let’s dive into the details and learn the cricket rules to become a pro at the game.