Fielding Positions

Cricket has more fielding positions than any other sport. Understanding where each position is and its purpose is essential for players and fans alike.

Interactive Field Diagram

Click on any position to learn more about it. The diagram shows a right-handed batsman facing from the bottom.

Fielder Highlighted

Close Catchers

These fielders stand within 15 yards of the bat. They need exceptional reflexes and courage. Used mainly for attacking fields, especially in Test cricket.

First Slip

Next to keeper, catches fine edges from fast bowlers

Quick reflexesSoft handsConcentration

Second Slip

Wider edges, needs good lateral movement

Good reachQuick reactions

Third Slip

Even wider, for pronounced edges

Lateral movementSafe hands

Gully

Between slips and point, cut shot edges

AthleticSharp reflexes

Leg Slip

Behind square on leg side for glances

AnticipationQuick hands

Short Leg

Close on leg side, bat-pad catches

BraveQuick reflexesHelmet required

Silly Point

Close on off side, needs courage

CourageQuick reactionsHelmet required

Pro Tip

Close catching positions require 100% concentration. One lapse and the chance is gone. Train your reflexes daily.

— Rahul Dravid

Inner Ring (Saving Singles)

Positioned 20-30 yards from the bat. These fielders stop singles, create run-out opportunities, and form the backbone of defensive fields in limited-overs cricket.

Point

Square on off side, stops cut shots

AgilityStrong armQuick movement

Cover

Between point and mid-off, key position

SpeedThrowing accuracyAthletic

Mid-Off

Straight on off side, stops drives

Good positioningReliable hands

Mid-On

Straight on leg side, stops on-drives

Good positioningSafe hands

Mid-Wicket

Between mid-on and square leg

Ground fieldingQuick release

Square Leg

Square on leg side, stops pulls/sweeps

Good ground fieldingStrong arm

Boundary Fielders

Positioned on or near the boundary rope. These fielders prevent boundaries, take high catches, and need strong arms for long throws.

Third Man

Fine on off side, edges and late cuts

SpeedClean pick-up

Fine Leg

Fine on leg side, glances and flicks

SpeedAccurate throwing

Deep Point

Boundary at point position

SpeedBoundary catching

Deep Cover

Boundary at cover position

SpeedStrong arm

Long-Off

Boundary straight on off side

High catch abilityStrong arm

Long-On

Boundary straight on leg side

High catch abilityGround fielding

Deep Mid-Wicket

Between long-on and deep square

SpeedBoundary riding

Deep Square Leg

Boundary square on leg side

Strong armCatching under pressure

Fielding Restrictions

ODI Powerplays

• Overs 1-10: Max 2 fielders outside circle
• Overs 11-40: Max 4 fielders outside circle
• Overs 41-50: Max 5 fielders outside circle

T20 Powerplay

• Overs 1-6: Max 2 fielders outside circle
• Overs 7-20: Max 5 fielders outside circle

Test Cricket

No fielding restrictions - captain can place all 9 fielders anywhere.