Cricket is a game which includes 11 players to the field when a team comes to bowling. Understanding all cricket fielding positions is very important as that allows the batsman to score runs in the gap. In this article we will guide you through all the cricket pitch positions which are available for the right and left handed batsman. Also fielding setting provides a mental disturbance to the batsman so this is important to know all positions in the cricketing field for a player and the audience.

Basics Of Cricket Fielding Positions

Cricket fielding positions refer to specific areas on the field where players are strategically deployed so as to maximise their effectiveness at stopping runs and taking wickets. These spots are not chosen at random but carefully considered depending on game situations, types of bowlers used and opponents batsmen strengths/weaknesses – each fielding position serves a distinct function, from close catching to boundary protection.

Before diving deeper into each fielding position, it is crucial to have an understanding of how a cricket field operates. The field consists of two halves – off side (to the right of right-handed batter) and leg side (on left of batsman) with fielding positions generally falling into three main groups: close catching infield (close-catching area), inner ring and outfield.

Cricket Fielding Set Up For Right-Handed Batsman

Fielders set their cricket fielding map according to what’s best for a right-handed batsman’s weaknesses and opportunities for scoring, using fielders such as right-arm spinners as examples of potential right-handed batters at bat. Let’s look more closely at some key fielding positions in cricket for right handed batsman:

• Slip Fielders (aka Slips ): Slip fielders are situated behind a batsman on their off side and responsible for catching any edges or nicks produced during batsmen’s play of shots. Slips are numbered according to proximity; first slip being closest and subsequent ones further apart.
• Gully: A gully fielder stands on the offside, slightly wider than slips, acting as an extra catching position ready to capture any edges that stray past slips.
• Point Fielder Position: A point fielder stands on the off side, square to the wicket and covers shots played off that side of the pitch. He/she may cover anything between slips as well as wide range of off side shots played at different lengths and speeds.
• Cover: The cover fielder stands on the off side between point and mid-off to intercept any shots played into this region for easy runs and cut them off before they have an opportunity to spread through to their target region. This position ensures any risk-free runs for his team are avoided.
• Mid-Off: Mid-Off is located off to one side, direct and straighter than cover, responsible for intercepting shots aimed straight down at ground level.
• Mid-On: Mid-on fielders occupy a straighter leg side position than mid-wicket fielders and cover an area between batsman’s end and bowler’s end.
• Mid-Wicket: Mid-wicket stands on the leg side between square leg and mid-on, designed to cut off shots played towards it and prevent easy runs.
• Square Leg: When playing in square leg position, fielders cover an area between midwicket and fine leg batting positions.
• Fine Leg: Fine leg fielders are situated behind the batsman on leg side and towards boundary line, and responsible for cutting off shots played towards leg side as well as preventing boundary hits.

Cricket Fielding Setting For Left-Handed Batsman

When left-handed batsman are at the crease, fielding positions must reflect their unique batting styles. Fielding positions for left handed batsman is same of right handed but all positions mentioned for right-handed batters are adjusted in reverse for them; slips, gully, point, cover, mid off, mid on, mid wicket, square leg, fine leg positions will all need to be altered accordingly.

Fielding Positions On Off Side

The cricket off side refers to any area to the right and left of each batsman on either team; slips, point, cover and mid-off positions on this side are used strategically to exploit any weaknesses the batsmen might possess on that side of the pitch.

Fielding Positions On Leg Side

The leg side of a cricket field refers to areas on either side of a right-handed batsman batting in right-handed mode; and fielders on this area, including mid-on, mid-wicket, square leg and fine leg positions strategically positioned so as to limit scoring opportunities on this side.

Close Catching Infield

Close catching infield is comprised of fielders positioned close to the batsman in order to take catches off edges or nicks produced by batsmen’s shots. Cricket positions within this infield include slips, gullys, leg slips, silly points and short legs and require quick reflexes and exceptional catching abilities from fielders in these roles.

Inner Ring

The inner ring refers to fielding positions closer to a batsman but not within close catching range, in an effort to reduce singles and cut off runs via quickly fielding balls quickly, returning it quickly back to wicketkeeper or bowler, etc. Positions included within this inner ring are point, cover, mid-off/on, square leg/backward square leg/midwicket and fine leg fielders.

Outfield

Outfield fielders must remain close to the boundary to prevent boundaries from crossing and save runs, with fielders positioning deeper for greater coverage in deeper positions such as deep point, deep backward point, long off, deep extra cover long on deep midwicket long leg deep fine leg.

Importance Of Cricket Fielding Positions

Fielding positions in cricket is very important as it plays a vital role in creating a team’s strategy. An effectively laid field can exert immense pressure on a batsman and limit scoring opportunities, creating wicket-taking chances. A captain and fielding team must analyze game conditions as well as batsmen strengths/weaknesses/style of bowler before selecting suitable fielding positions that best serve their purposes.

Setting Up the Field

Setting up the field requires careful coordination between captain and fielders. The captain determines fielding positions based on game circumstances, bowler strengths and batsmen weaknesses of opposing batsmen; fielders must remain aware of their positions to react promptly if there are changes on the pitch.

Conclusion

Understanding simple cricket fielding positions is very important for both players and fans to know the game very well. Understanding their various positions, their strategic significance, and how each position affects one another allows one to appreciate both tactical aspects of the game as well as each player’s role on the field – from slips to deep fine leg. Each has an integral part to play when contributing towards team success – so when watching cricket games be sure to pay attention to these fielding positions! Watch closely how they intertwine on a matchday to create an exciting battle among bowlers, batmen, fielders et al!