All the Key Cricket Fielding Positions You Need to Know

Cricket isn't just about big hits and fast deliveries. A huge part of the game happens in the field. That’s why knowing the cricket fielding positions is so important—whether you’re a player, a fan, or a new learner.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through all the key fielding positions in cricket, why each one matters, and where players usually stand. If you’ve ever watched a game and wondered, “What does silly point mean?” or “Where’s third man?”—you’re in the right place.

Let’s break it down in the simplest way possible.

Why You Should Know Cricket Fielding Positions

Understanding cricket field positions helps you:

• Follow the game better

• Understand captain’s tactics

• Improve your playing skills

• Teach young players with ease

• Appreciate the team effort in every match

Fielders aren’t just randomly standing around. Each spot on the field is chosen for a reason—based on where the batsman is likely to hit.

Off Side vs. Leg Side: The Basics

Before we name the positions, let’s quickly understand two sides of the field:

• Off Side: The side facing the batsman's front (for a right-handed batsman, it’s the left side from the bowler's view).

• Leg Side (or On Side): The side behind the batsman’s back.

Fielders are placed on both sides based on the bowler’s style and the batsman’s strengths.

Core Fielding Zones in Cricket

Cricket fielding can be divided into three main zones:

1. Close Infield – within 15 yards of the batsman. Mainly for catching.

2. Inner Circle (30-yard circle) – stops quick singles and supports run-outs.

3. Outfield – covers deep shots and protects the boundary.

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Key Fielding Positions You Should Know

Let’s walk through each key position you’ll hear about in matches:

1. Wicket-Keeper

• Stands directly behind the stumps.

• Key player for catching, stumpings, and saving extras.

• Always alert and wears protective gear.

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

• Positioned next to the wicket-keeper on the off side.

• Catch edges from fast bowlers.

• Used often in Tests and when the ball is swinging.

3. Gully

• Between the slips and point.

• Catches sliced edges and fast deflections.

• A must-have when bowling aggressively.

4. Point

• Square to the batsman on the off side.

• Fields cut shots and square drives.

• Needs sharp reflexes.

5. Cover

• Between point and mid-off.

• Stops powerful cover drives.

• Great fielding here can save key runs.

6. Mid-Off

• Just in front of the batsman on the off side.

• Prevents straight drives and supports the bowler.

7. Mid-On

• Same as mid-off but on the leg side.

• Stops on-drive shots.

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8. Square Leg

• Square to the batsman on the leg side.

• Fields glances and pulls.

9. Fine Leg

• Deep leg-side fielder near the boundary.

• Catches fine edges and bouncers gone wrong.

10. Third Man

• Behind the batsman on the off side near the boundary.

• Collects thick edges or scoops past the slips.

11. Deep Point / Deep Cover / Deep Square Leg

• Outfield positions used to stop boundaries.

• Critical in limited-overs formats.

12. Long-Off / Long-On

• Deep straight fielders.

• Positioned to catch lofted drives and return throws quickly.

Special Fielding Positions

13. Short Leg

• Very close to the batsman on the leg side.

• Catches deflections off the pads or gloves.

14. Silly Point

• Close-in position on the off side.

• Used by spinners to catch misjudged defensive strokes.

15. Leg Slip

• Behind the batsman on the leg side, like a mirror of slip.

• Rare but used when targeting leg-side edges.

How Captains Set the Field

A captain places fielders based on:

• Batter’s hitting zones

• Pitch conditions

• Bowling speed and spin

• Match format (Test, ODI, T20)

For example:

• In Tests: You’ll see more slips and short legs.

• In T20s: Deep fielders like long-on, deep cover, and third man are used.

Field settings change every few balls based on the plan.

Tips to Remember Fielding Positions Faster

• Watch matches and pause to note who stands where

• Practice drawing the field on paper

• Play mobile cricket games with manual field setting

• Use memory tricks (like “point is where the batsman points the bat”)

Importance of Fielding in Modern Cricket

Fielding has changed a lot over the years. Today:

• Teams save 10–20 runs just by tight fielding.

• Fielders like Ravindra Jadeja and Ben Stokes change matches with their throws.

• Catches and run-outs turn games, especially in T20s.

No matter your role—bowler, batsman, or captain—fielding matters now more than ever.

Fielding in Different Formats

Test Matches

• Focus on slips, gully, short leg, and silly point

• Defensive fielding with sharp catching

ODIs

• Balance between inner circle and boundary riders

• Aggressive fields during powerplays

T20 Matches

• Protect boundaries with deep fielders

• Need super fast fielding to stop quick runs

Quick Summary Table

FAQs About Fielding Positions in Cricket

What are the most common fielding positions in cricket?

Common positions include slip, point, cover, mid-off, mid-on, square leg, and fine leg.

Why do fielding positions change in cricket?

Captains change fielding positions to match the batsman's style, bowler’s plan, and game format.

Who decides fielding positions in a cricket match?

The captain sets the field with input from the bowler and sometimes the coach.

How many fielders are allowed on the leg side?

A maximum of five fielders can be on the leg side in most formats.

Will understanding field positions improve my game?

Yes! It helps with tactics, shot selection, and field placement decisions.

Final Thoughts

Knowing the key cricket fielding positions helps you enjoy the game more and makes you a smarter player. Whether you're trying to place fielders as a captain or learning cricket basics, this guide gives you what you need in one place.

Keep learning, watching, and practicing. The more you understand the field, the more confident you’ll feel during every match.