All Cricket Fielding Positions Explained (With Diagram)

Cricket has more fielding positions than any other sport — over 30 named positions, each with a specific tactical purpose. For newcomers, the terminology can be baffling. Why is there a “silly” mid-on? What’s the difference between “deep” and “long”? And where exactly is “cow corner”?

This guide explains every fielding position, organized by area of the field, with tactical context for when and why captains use each one.

Understanding the Field Layout

The cricket field is divided by two imaginary lines through the pitch:

• Off side: The side of the field the batter faces when playing a shot (to the right for a right-hander)
• Leg side (on side): The side behind the batter (to the left for a right-hander)
• In front of the wicket: The area in front of the batter, toward the bowler
• Behind the wicket: The area behind the batter, toward the wicketkeeper

Positions are named with modifiers:

• Silly: Very close to the batter (catching positions, risky)
• Short: Closer than the standard position
• Deep / Long: Near the boundary
• Square: Level with the batter
• Fine: At a narrow angle behind the batter
• Wide: At a wider angle

Behind the Wicket (Off Side)

Wicketkeeper

Standing directly behind the stumps. The only fielder allowed to wear gloves. Can stand up (close) to the stumps for spinners or stand back for fast bowlers.

First Slip, Second Slip, Third Slip (Slip Cordon)

Standing next to the wicketkeeper, slips catch edges from fast bowling. First slip is closest to the keeper. In Tests, you’ll often see 3-4 slips; in T20s, typically none. Positioning depends on pace — slips stand deeper for faster bowlers.

Gully

Wider than the slips, at roughly a 100-120° angle. Catches cut shots and wider edges. Sometimes used as a lone catcher when the captain drops one or two slips.

Fly Slip

A deeper slip position, halfway between slips and third man. Used occasionally for batters who edge hard and high.

Third Man

On the boundary behind the slips on the off side. Saves runs from edges, late cuts, and deliberate steers. Almost always in place in limited-overs cricket.

In Front of the Wicket (Off Side)

Point

Square of the wicket on the off side. One of the most common positions — saves cut shots and drives wide of the wicket. A specialist fielder often stands here.

Cover / Cover Point

Between point and mid-off, roughly at a 45° angle. Cover is one of cricket’s premium fielding positions — it stops the classic cover drive, which is considered one of batting’s most elegant shots.

Extra Cover

Between cover and mid-off. Stops drive played slightly straighter than a cover drive.

Mid-Off

Straight of the wicket on the off side, about 30 meters from the batter. A standard defensive position — almost always occupied. Saves straight drives and gives the bowler a catching option from straight shots.

Deep Cover / Deep Point

Boundary versions of cover and point. Used when batters are hitting firmly through the off side.

Long Off

On the boundary directly at mid-off’s position. Catches mis-hit lofted shots and saves boundaries from straight drives.

In Front of the Wicket (Leg Side)

Mid-On

Mirror of mid-off, but on the leg side. Saves drives played through the on side and gives the bowler a catching option. Another near-permanent position in all formats.

Mid-Wicket

Between mid-on and square leg. Stops balls played through the gap with flicks and on-drives. In T20, often pushed back as “deep mid-wicket.”

Long On

Boundary position behind mid-on. Catches lofted on-drives and mistimed hits down the ground. Critical in the death overs of T20.

Cow Corner

Deep mid-wicket area — between long on and deep square leg. The name comes from the idea that only cows graze there because “no proper cricketer should hit the ball to that area.” In modern T20, it’s one of the most productive scoring zones.

Square & Behind the Wicket (Leg Side)

Square Leg

Level with the batter on the leg side. The square leg umpire stands here. Saves pull shots and sweeps.

Leg Gully

Behind square on the leg side, close to the batter. A catching position for balls that pop off the gloves or hip. Rarely used in limited-overs cricket.

Fine Leg

On the boundary behind the wicketkeeper on the leg side. Saves shots glanced or flicked fine, and leg-side wides. Standard position in all formats.

Deep Square Leg

On the boundary at square leg’s position. Saves pull shots hit to the boundary. Common in T20 when batters target the square boundary.

Leg Slip

Behind the wicketkeeper on the leg side, close to the batter. Used for spinners who turn the ball into the batter (off-spinners to right-handers, leg-spinners to left-handers). Catches bat-pad deflections.

Close Catching Positions

Silly Point / Silly Mid-Off / Silly Mid-On

“Silly” positions are extremely close to the batter — within a few meters. They’re catching positions for bat-pad catches, used primarily against spinners. Fielders here wear helmets and shin guards. The name “silly” reflects the danger of standing so close.

Short Leg

Close to the batter on the leg side, slightly in front of square. Catches balls that pop off the bat or gloves. One of cricket’s bravest fielding positions — the fielder crouches and relies on reflexes.

How Captains Set Fields

• Attacking fields — more slips, close catchers, fewer boundary riders. Used when trying to take wickets.
• Defensive fields — more fielders on the boundary, fewer catchers. Used when protecting runs.
• Powerplay fields (limited-overs) — only 2 fielders allowed outside the 30-yard circle during the powerplay, forcing attacking fields.
• Spinner’s field — short leg, silly point/mid-on, slip or leg slip. Designed for bat-pad catches.