Getting cricket fielding positions right is an essential strategy to succeed in cricket matches. Teams must set all the top cricket fielding positions correctly to stand a chance of victory during games. It also helps the team build up their runs-saving strategy towards collecting more outfield balls without much effort.
There are different pitch angles where fielding positions can make a difference during games. The cricket fielding strategy has become an essential part of the cricket sport, especially after fast-paced and limited over cricket gained prominence. Runs-saving is an integral part of the sport, so most teams now adopt strategies that can limit runs opposing teams get to score.
In this article, we will look at vital details about the top cricket fielding positions strategy. We will also check out the top fielding positions and what drives this act in professional cricket.
Top Cricket Fielding Positions Strategy
The major cricket fielding positions are:
Attacking three spare
In this strategy, wicket-taking is the main goal. It works with a couple of slips and a gulley stationed very close to where batters’ shots will likely travel towards. A complete attacking three spare also works with a fine leg and third man along with a slip or extra short leg for comprehensive wicket-taking potential.
Funky fields
The funky fields strategy has different variations, with its most common explained here. In its most common position, an off-spinner is at two short legs along with a wide slip or silly. It is an effective technique to trick batters towards committing errors that lead to more catches.
Cut off
In the cut off position, fielders can restrict a batter’s range with one square third man and two gulleys. Such a strategy is effective when the defending team fields outswing bowlers.
Squeeze on
The technique works to block batsmen off with tight fielding techniques. Batters will usually struggle with an effective squeeze on, finding it difficult to get boundaries if opposing teams use such a position. However, skilled batters will always find a way to edge out fielders in this strategy and deliver fours or sixes.
Top Cricket Fielding Positions
- Cover Point
- Short Fine Leg
- Short Mid-Wicket
- Short Square Leg
- Cover Sweeper
- Deep Extra Cover
- Deep Fine Leg
- Deep Gully
- Deep Mid Wicket
- Deep Point
- Silly Mid Off
- Silly Mid On
- Silly Point
- Square Leg
- Straight Hit
- Sweeper
- Third man
- Third Slip
- Wicket Keeper
- Deep Square Leg
- Extra Cover
- First Slip
- Fly Slip
- Forward Short Leg
- Gully
- Leg Gully
- Leg Slip
- Long Leg
- Long Off
- Long On
- Long Stop
- Mid Off
- Mid On
- Mid-Wicket
- Point
- Second slip
Why Cricketers Engage the Top Cricket Fielding Positions Strategy
Several reasons drive the engagement of different cricket fielding positions. Few of the major reasons are:
Batter style
Few batters have the skills to swing towards different directions when hit with a fast or spin bowl attack. The batter’s orientation usually determines how defensive teams get to stop runs through outfield balls. Such strategies usually target the limitation of cricketers and their most likely swing area among other factors.
Bowler style
Some skilled bowlers could be able to pace or seam balls at opposing batters. These multitalented attackers can be quite efficient against some teams and require well-placed fielding to prevent runs. Teams do this as opposing batters as they expect opposing batters to swing or defend their wickets in a particular direction.
Accuracy of attacking and defensive plays
Some teams are more precise than others in their attacking and defensive plays. Opposing players that have to field against another team could devise a working fielding strategy to keep batters from running riot. Proper fielding strategy can help save vital runs or even decide the overall game or series outcomes.
Match situation
Fielding strategies can change when a team is in attack or defense mode. Both teams have to assume defensive positions during games to save runs or press on in bowling attacks to restrict opposing teams.
Why Use Fielding Positions in Cricket?
Major cricket fielding positions are vital to the sport for two main reasons – defense and dismissals. Fielders can help their bowlers towards reducing or stopping runs from opposing batters. These fielders can take the ball right after a hit to their wicketkeeper to limit runs. Dismissals are also way easier when active fielders pluck balls hit by the opposing batsman mid-air.
