Beginner’s Guide to Cricket Field Positions and Their Purpose

If you’ve ever watched a cricket match and wondered, “Why are those players standing so far apart?”, you’re not alone. Cricket may look simple, but fielding positions are part of a smart strategy. Knowing cricket field positions helps you understand the game better, whether you’re a new fan or just starting out as a player.

In this guide, you’ll learn where fielders stand, why each position exists, and how they help stop runs and take wickets. Let’s break it down in the simplest way possible—no jargon, no confusion.

Why Fielding Positions Matter in Cricket

Cricket isn’t just about the bowler and batsman. What happens in the field can change everything. A smart fielding position can turn a certain boundary into a catch, or stop a single and create pressure.

Here’s why knowing cricket fielding positions is helpful:

• Improves your watching experience – You'll understand every move

• Helps players perform better – Especially in junior or amateur levels

• Makes the game more strategic – You start seeing how teams plan

• Connects fielders to real tasks – It’s not just standing around!

Understanding the Cricket Field

Before we go into names and places, let’s talk about how a cricket field works.

• A cricket field is oval or round

• The pitch is right in the center

• The batsman faces one side, so fielders are divided into off side and leg side

• Distances from the batsman matter – closer means more chances for catches; far means more for boundary defense

The field is also divided into:

• Infield (within 30 yards) – Stops quick singles and creates pressure

• Outfield (beyond 30 yards) – Stops boundaries

• Close catching zone (under 15 yards) – For catches and quick reactions

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The Most Common Cricket Field Positions

Let’s now look at the positions you’ll hear most often and what each one does.

Wicket-Keeper

• Where: Directly behind the batsman

• Why: Catches missed balls, attempts stumpings, and stops byes

• Needs: Fast hands and good reflexes

Slip (1st, 2nd, 3rd)

• Where: Next to the wicket-keeper on the off side

• Why: Catches edged balls from fast bowlers

• Used in: Tests and early overs of ODIs

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Gully

• Where: Slightly wide of slip

• Why: Catches deflected shots

• Great for: Cut shot mistakes

Point

• Where: Square on the off side

• Why: Stops cut shots

• Modern trend: Often a diving, athletic fielder here

Cover

• Where: Between point and mid-off

• Why: Fields drives and ground shots

• Key role: Stops runs in limited overs

Mid-Off and Mid-On

• Where: Straight fielders, on off and leg sides

• Why: Catch drives and stop quick runs

• Strong arms needed to throw back fast

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Square Leg

• Where: Square on the leg side

• Why: Fields flicks and glances

• Involved in: Many run-outs

Fine Leg

• Where: Behind the batsman on the leg side

• Why: Collects deflections and bouncers

• Best for: Back-up and saving boundaries

Third Man

• Where: Behind the wicket on off side

• Why: Fields edged shots behind slips

• Used in: All formats, especially for fast bowlers

Long-On and Long-Off

• Where: Deep straight boundary

• Why: Stop sixes and long drives

• Must have: Strong catching and powerful throw

How a Captain Uses Fielders

A good captain doesn’t just shout and signal. They think carefully about:

• Who is bowling – Spin or pace affects placement

• Who is batting – Aggressive or careful players

• Match format – T20 vs. Test = totally different styles

• Game situation – Attack when a wicket is needed, defend when saving runs

Example Setups:

• Test Match: 3 slips, gully, point, mid-off, mid-on, square leg, fine leg

• ODI Field in Powerplay: 2 slips, short cover, point, square leg, mid-on, mid-off

• T20 Defensive: Deep point, deep cover, long-on, long-off, third man, fine leg

What Beginners Should Focus On

If you’re just getting started, don’t worry about knowing every single position yet. Here’s what to focus on:

• Learn the names of key positions first: Slip, point, cover, mid-on, mid-off

• Watch how captains place fielders when bowling changes

• Try to remember which shots go to which areas

• Use cricket apps or games to test your knowledge visually

Fielding Positions by Shot Type

To make it easier, here’s how certain fielders respond to different types of shots:

Pro Tips to Remember Positions

• Use a cricket diagram and label each field position

• Practice during games with friends

• Watch one match per week focusing only on fielding

• Ask: "Why is that player standing there?" – Then Google it

• Use flashcards or quizzes

Common Myths About Fielding Positions

❌ Myth: Only the captain needs to know positions
✅ Truth: Every player must understand field setup

❌ Myth: Fielders stay in the same place all game
✅ Truth: Positions shift based on every ball

❌ Myth: Deep fielders aren’t important
✅ Truth: Deep fielders win games with catches and saves

Final Thoughts

Understanding fielding positions in cricket gives you a better feel for the game. It helps you watch smarter, play better, and enjoy cricket more fully.

Start with the basics, watch closely, and you’ll soon find yourself calling out field positions like a pro. Whether you’re a fan or a future captain, knowing the field is a huge part of learning cricket the right way.

FAQs About Cricket Field Positions

What is the purpose of different fielding positions in cricket?

Each position helps fielders cover a part of the field, stop runs, or catch out the batsman based on where they’re likely to hit the ball.

Who decides where players field in cricket?

The team captain, often in consultation with the bowler, chooses fielding positions based on the situation and the batsman’s style.

How many fielders can be on the leg side?

According to the rules, no more than five fielders can be placed on the leg side at any time to avoid negative tactics.

Where is the safest fielding position in cricket?

Fine leg or third man are often considered less risky for beginners, as they see less direct action.

Will fielding positions always be the same?

No, they constantly change based on bowling type, match format, batsman’s behavior, and game tactics.