Cricket Fielding Positions – Complete Guide with Diagram

Complete guide to all cricket fielding positions — where each fielder stands, what they do and how field placements change during a match.

🏟️ Understanding Cricket Fielding Positions

Cricket has more fielding positions than almost any other sport — each with a specific name that has been used for centuries. Understanding where fielders stand and why helps you appreciate the tactical battle between captain and batter that runs beneath every delivery.

📍 The Fielding Positions Explained

Behind the Wicket (Off Side)

• Slip (1st, 2nd, 3rd): Positioned to the right of the wicketkeeper (for right-handers), waiting to catch edges off fast bowling. Up to 4 slips can be used in Tests.
• Gully: Squarer than slip, positioned to catch edges and cuts. Named because it sits in the "gully" between slip and point.
• Point: Square of the wicket on the off side. Stops drives and cuts. Good fielders at point can save 10+ runs per innings.
• Cover: Between point and mid-off. The most prestigious ground fielding position — great cover fielders are celebrated as much as batters.
• Mid-off: To the bowler's right as they follow through. Guards the straight drive.

Behind the Wicket (Leg Side)

• Square Leg: Directly square of the wicket on the leg side. Positioned for the pull shot and catches from top edges.
• Mid-wicket: Between square leg and mid-on. Guards the flick and whip shots.
• Mid-on: To the bowler's left as they follow through. Straight on the leg side.
• Fine Leg: Deep on the leg side boundary. Saves fours and sixes behind square.
• Third Man: Deep on the off side behind the wicket. Saves edges and deflections behind the stumps.

Outfield Positions

• Long-on / Long-off: Deep straight positions on leg and off sides. Essential in T20 to prevent sixes over the top.
• Deep Mid-wicket / Deep Cover: Boundary riders preventing sixes. Their positioning changes the batter's options fundamentally.

⚡ Powerplay Fielding Restrictions

During T20 powerplay (overs 1-6), only 2 fielders can be outside the 30-yard circle. This forces attacking field settings and produces more boundaries — it is why the powerplay is such a high-scoring period.