Cricket fielding positions, with a diagram
Fielding positions have fixed names so captains can move players quickly. The map below shows common positions for a right-handed batter, viewed from behind the bowler.
Only eleven fielders play at once, including the bowler and wicketkeeper. This map shows more positions than a captain can use at one time.
Off side and leg side
The off side is the side the batter faces when standing to hit. The leg side is behind the batter's legs. For a left-handed batter, everything flips, like a mirror image.
Close catchers
- Slips stand beside the keeper to catch outside edges.
- Gully is wider than the slips and catches thick edges.
- Silly point and short leg stand very close to the bat for bat-pad catches. They usually wear helmets.
Inner ring
Point, cover, mid-off, mid-on, midwicket and square leg save singles inside the 30-yard circle.
Deep fielders
Third man, fine leg, long-off, long-on, deep cover, deep point, deep midwicket and deep square leg guard the boundary. Powerplay rules limit how many can be used.
Useful naming words
- Deep means closer to the boundary.
- Short or silly means closer to the batter.
- Fine means closer to the line of the pitch behind the batter.
- Square means level with the batter.
The leg-side rule
No more than two fielders can stand behind square on the leg side when the ball is bowled. Breaking this gives a no-ball.
Typical fields
Captains change the field for every bowler, batter and situation. These are three common examples.
| Situation | Typical field | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Fast bowler with a new ball in a Test | Three or four slips, a gully, and few fielders in front of the bat | The ball swings, so edges are likely |
| Spinner on a turning pitch | Slip, silly point or short leg, and fielders saving singles | Close catchers pick up bat-pad chances |
| Death overs in a T20 | Five fielders on the boundary, often at long-on, long-off, deep midwicket, deep square leg and third man or fine leg | Batters are trying to hit sixes |
Attacking and defensive fields
- Attacking fields put more fielders in catching positions. They give away more runs but create more chances.
- Defensive fields spread fielders around the ground to stop runs. They are common late in a limited-overs innings.
The wicketkeeper
The keeper is the only fielder allowed to wear gloves and external leg guards. Keepers stand back to fast bowlers and move up close behind the stumps to spinners. Standing up makes stumpings possible.
Fielding rules worth knowing
- Fielders must not move significantly once the bowler runs in, apart from small adjustments. If they do, the umpire can call a dead ball.
- Only the keeper may wear gloves.
- If the ball hits a fielder's helmet lying on the ground, the batting side gets five penalty runs.
- No fielder may stand on the pitch itself.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between off side and leg side?
The off side is the side the batter faces in their stance. The leg side is the side behind their legs.
Where does third man field?
Third man stands deep on the off side, behind the batter, near the boundary.
What does 'silly' mean in fielding positions?
It means a fielder is standing very close to the batter, such as silly point or silly mid-on.
How many slips can a team have?
There is no limit. Captains commonly use two to four, and occasionally more with a new ball.
What is the difference between long-on and mid-on?
Both are on the leg side in front of the batter. Mid-on stands inside the circle, while long-on stands near the boundary.
Where does a fielder at point stand?
Point stands square of the batter on the off side, inside the circle.