Do you know that fielding in cricket is just as important as batting and bowling? A single catch or run-out can change the course of the entire game. Cricket is a team sport that needs a variety of skills from all members of the team. While batting and bowling may appear to take center stage, fielding is essential for building a winning team. Good fielding can prevent crucial runs from being scored, generate wicket-taking chances and boost team morale. It’s essential and imperative for the skipper to set the right fielding position in Cricket to win a game.
Cricket Fielding Positions
There are several names of cricket fielding positions that many of you are not aware of. Let’s dive into the different fielding positions and learn how they can make or break a team’s chances of winning. Let’s start, shall we?
Overview of Fielding Positions in Cricket
Cricket’s fielding spots divide into three categories: infield, outfield, and close-in. Each position has a distinct function and responsibility that necessitates a unique set of skills. Fielding positions’ goals are to cover the entire field, prevent the opponent from scoring runs and take wickets.
So, here are the three different fielding positions in cricket:
Infield Fielding Positions:
The infield positions, which include the point, cover, mid-on, mid-off, square leg, and mid-wicket, are close to the batsmen. The fielder nearest to the batsman on the off-side is usually in the point position. The cover position is on the opposite side and covers a bigger area than the point position. The on-side and off-side mid-on and mid-off positions save runs and intercept balls hit directly back to the bowler.
On the on-side, the fine-leg, square leg, mid-wicket, and mid-on positions save runs and intercept shots hit towards the leg side. Because the ball can approach at a high speed and from various angles, these positions necessitate excellent reflexes and quickness.
Outfield Fielding Positions
Long-off, long-on, deep mid-wicket, deep square leg, deep cover, third man, and fine leg all fall under the category of outfield positions that are further away from the batters. Long-off and long-on places are near the border and are in charge of stopping boundaries and preserving runs.
Deep mid-wicket and deep square leg are on the on-side and require a player with a powerful throwing arm to swiftly return the ball to the wicketkeeper or bowler. The deep cover is an off-side position that needs a player with exceptional fielding abilities to halt bounds and save runs.
The third man and fine leg spots are behind the wicketkeeper and are to prevent any runs that the wicketkeeper has missed or the runs that the batsman has edged.
Close-In Fielding Positions
Now here comes the cheekiest and most dangerous positions. Close-in spots include slip, gully, leg slip, leg gully, silly point, short covers, short leg, and short mid-wicket, which are nearest to the batters. Because the ball can approach at a high pace and from various directions, these places cause exceptional reflexes and quickness.
The slip position is usually on the off-side and needs a player with exceptional catching abilities to catch batsman edges and nicks. The gully position, which is also on the off side, is to halt balls struck close to the ground. But in modern-day cricket, bowlers try to trap batsmen by bowling on their legs hence the chances of getting a batsman caught at leg slip, leg gully, short leg, short midwicket, and short mid-on get higher.
The silly point position is on the off side and is to stop projectiles aimed at the off side and try to catch the balls that get the outside edge of the batsman. The short leg and short mid-wicket spots are very near to the batsman and are to prevent shots from being played.
Fielding Strategies and Tactics
Fielding tactics and strategies are an essential part of cricket and can be used to either prevent runs or take wickets. Defensive fielding strategies include packing the field and preventing the batsman from scoring runs. Attacking fielding strategies include setting aggressive fields and creating wicket-taking opportunities.
Communication is critical in fielding and players should communicate with each other regularly to ensure proper coverage of the field and to be prepared for any situation. The captain plays a crucial role in setting the field and changing it according to the situation.
Role of the Captain
The captain has a critical role to play in setting the field and making changes according to the situation. The captain must have a good understanding of each player’s strengths and weaknesses and use that knowledge to place them in positions where they can excel.
The skipper should also know the game situation and the opposing team’s strengths and weaknesses to make informed decisions about the field placement. Communication is also essential, as the leader of the team must convey their plans and strategies to the team to execute them effectively.
The biggest example is MS Dhoni. The former Indian skipper was a master of field placement, frequently establishing unique and unusual fields that perplexed batters while creating wicket-taking chances for his spinners.
Under his captaincy, India became one of the finest fielding teams in the world under his leadership, with players like Ravindra Jadeja, Virat Kohli, and Suresh Raina renowned for their exceptional fielding skills.
Altogether, there are three main types of playing spots in cricket: infield, outfield, and close-in. Each position requires a specific set of skills and plays a crucial role in preventing runs and taking wickets.
Fielding strategies and techniques are significant in cricket because they can stop runs or generate wicket-taking chances. Success in fielding requires adequate dialogue, practice, and collaboration. The spots and strategies can help players craft game-changing moments and add to their team’s success.
