The positioning of fielders in cricket is extremely complex and strategic, especially when analysing different cricket fielding positions used by teams during a match. After all, the fact that the field is oval allows for a much more complicated distribution than in sports that have rectangular fields. As each team has 11 players and one of them will be the bowler, 10 players must be spread across the field during this phase.

Each of the main positions is divided into many sub-positions. Some of them are more common, while others are rarer and are used by captains at specific moments in the match, such as cow corner in cricket and gully, depending on the skill of the bowler and batsmen. Here, we will explain the main positions.

Understanding the cricket field

Before understanding cricket positions setup, it is essential to understand the field. It is oval in shape, and the crucial phase of the game takes place in a small rectangle in the centre, where the bowler and the two batsmen are located. Therefore, all positioning is defined according to the position of the batsman.

The strategies are based on a division of the field into 8 parts (cricket field diagram), with a starting point from the batsman. Then, the players spread out according to this division, seeking to establish the best positioning to catch the balls hit.

In addition to the central rectangle, the field has another division: a circle 30 yards from the centre of the field. There is a limitation on the number of fielders who can stand outside this circle at specific stages of the game in formats where there is a limit on overs per innings, which are T20 and ODI. At the start of the game, only two fielders can stand outside the circle, which is valid for the first 10 overs in ODI and the first 6 overs in T20. This completely changes the strategies of the bowling teams.

In ODI, there is a middle phase between overs 11 and 40 in which 4 players are allowed outside the circle. In the final phase (overs 41 to 50), 5 players can stay outside the circle. In T20, between overs 7 and 20, 5 fielders can stay outside the 30 yards.

Cricket fielding position names

Although there are dozens of cricket positions, it is possible to summarise the roles in cricket into a few names. Within each of these, there are several specificities. Here are the main ones:

• Slips - The Slip in cricket is a fielder who stands just behind the batsman to catch balls that pass the edge of the bat.

• Point - These are the players who are positioned to protect square drives, which are balls hit at angles that are not straight, usually diagonally.

• Mid-off and mid-on - These are the players who are positioned straight behind and in front of the batsmen (mid wicket), but at a certain distance, with the aim of catching balls that are hit straight, known as straight drives.

• Deep square leg and long on - These are the players who stand much further away from the batsman, with the aim of trying to catch long shots, which are the most dangerous. In these positions, it is essential to respect the rules of the Powerplay phases.

These cricket positions can also be grouped according to their location on the field. Close-in Fielders are those who stand short and close to the batsman, often in highly reactive catching positions. Infielders are those who stand within the 30-yard circle, but not as close to the batsman. Outfielders are those who stand outside the 30-yard circle, of which there can be a maximum of 2, 4, or 5, depending on the Powerplay phase of the game. Behind the Wicket players are those positioned just behind the batsman, taking advantage of the attacking players' mistakes.

In addition, there are also some extremely specific special positions that captains can apply in phases of the game where there is something unique about the clash of playing styles between bowlers and batsmen. Therefore, it is essential to know the opponents very well in order to always establish the best positioning.

It is not only players and coaches who need to know all these details. When fans and spectators begin to understand all these nuances, concepts that once seemed complex become much more simple to follow and enjoy. After all, if you have this understanding, the sport goes far beyond the physical aspect, and you will see a great strategic battle. This is also crucial for anyone who wants to earn more by betting on cricket at 1xBet, India's leading bookmaker.

Format-Specific Fielding Strategies for cricket placement

Cricket has three main formats. Each of them has different positioning strategies. First, understand the differences between the styles:

• T20 - This is the fastest format of cricket, as each innings is limited to 20 overs. Therefore, matches last about 3 hours. They can be played by all countries associated with the International Cricket Council.

• ODI - This is One Day International. Each innings is limited to 50 overs. Therefore, the game lasts about 8 hours. ODI can be played by a few associate member countries of the International Cricket Council.

• Test Matches - This is the top type of match, as it can only be played by the 12 full members of the International Cricket Council. The game usually lasts between 4 and 5 days. Each team has 2 innings instead of just one, and the innings have no limit on overs, ending only when all batsmen are out. As such, it is the most complex in terms of strategy.

Positioning strategies vary greatly between these formats, especially considering the Powerplay. In T20, where the Powerplay with a limit of 2 fielders outside the circle lasts 30% of the innings, optimal positioning by the outfielders is essential to lessen the impact of the attack.

In Test Cricket, on the other hand, there are many more special positions due to the high level of the teams and the enormous amount of information about the players. In addition, the fact that there is no limit on overs and powerplays makes the distribution between cricket ground positions much more balanced.

ODI combines the strategies of the other two formats. As most of the game (60%) is in the second phase of the powerplay, in which 4 outfielders are allowed, this greatly guides the strategies. Understanding these variations is crucial for Online Cricket betting.

FAQ

What are the most important fielding positions in cricket?

All cricket fielding positions are extremely important, and strategic teamwork is the main differentiating factor. The most important position at any given moment, therefore, depends on the characteristics of the batsman and bowler.

How many fielders are allowed outside the 30-yard circle?

The number of fielders outside the 30-yard circle depends on the powerplay phase of the match and the type of cricket being played. In T20, 2 are allowed up to over 6 and 5 between overs 7 and 20. In ODI, 2 are allowed up to over 10, 4 between overs 11 and 40, and 5 between overs 41 and 50.

What is the difference between point and cover?

The Point defends balls that are thrown by the batsman to the side and diagonally. The cover is positioned in front of the batsman, always on the opposite side.

What are the 6 fielding positions in cricket?

The 6 main field positions in cricket are Slip, Point, Mid-off, Mid-on, Deep Square Leg, and Long on.