Introduction
In cricket, there are several distinct positions on the field that players assume during both batting and bowling phases of the game. These positions are strategically placed to maximize defensive and offensive capabilities based on the situation and the type of delivery being bowled. Understanding cricket positions involves grasping both the traditional roles and the dynamic changes in modern cricket formats.
Traditional Fielding Positions in Cricket
1. Slips: The slip fielders stand close to the wicketkeeper on the off side (right side for a right-handed batsman) to catch edges from the batsman’s shots. Slip positions are numbered from first slip (closest to the wicketkeeper) to third slip or beyond, depending on the captain’s strategy.
2. Gully: Positioned behind the slips on the off side, the gully fielder is placed to catch or intercept edges that may be directed to the area between the slip cordon and the point fielder.
3. Third Man: Usually placed near the boundary behind the batsman’s off side, third man aims to field shots that may go behind the batsman or down the leg side.
4. Fine Leg: Positioned on the leg side boundary behind the batsman, fine leg fields shots directed behind the batsman’s leg side.
5. Square Leg: Located behind the batsman on the leg side, square leg covers a wider area on the leg side for fielding or catching.
6. Mid-Wicket: Positioned between square leg and mid-on, mid-wicket covers the area on the leg side closer to the batsman’s front leg.
7. Mid-On: Placed straight ahead of the batsman on the leg side, mid-on fields shots that are driven straight down the ground.
8. Mid-Off: Located straight ahead of the batsman on the off side, mid-off fields shots that are driven through the off side.
9. Cover: Positioned on the off side, cover is a key fielding position for stopping drives and cuts from the batsman.
10. Point: On the off side, point is placed behind square and covers the area behind square cover and in front of the gully.
11. Extra Cover: A slightly wider version of cover, extra cover is placed to cover more ground on the off side.
12. Long On: Placed on the boundary on the leg side, long on fields long shots from the batsman.
13. Long Off: Similar to long on but on the off side, long off fields long shots on the off side.
14. Deep Mid-Wicket: Positioned deeper on the leg side boundary, deep mid-wicket fields shots hit long on the leg side.
15. Deep Square Leg: Positioned deeper on the leg side boundary behind square leg.
16. Fine Leg: Positioned on the leg side boundary behind the batsman, fields shots hit behind the whom? History