Radio Times<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div>\nThe basics<\/strong><\/h2>\n
The majority of fielding positions are described using: A) the side<\/em> of the pitch the fielder is standing in, B) the distance<\/em> from the batter, and C) the angle<\/em> of the fielder from the batter.<\/p>\n
First up, the field is divided into two sides<\/em>:\u00a0leg side and off side. This is a foundational principle to build up from.<\/p>\n
Leg<\/strong> \u2013 the side of the field the batter\u2019s legs are on. (This can also be referred to as the on side.)<\/li>\n
Off<\/strong> \u2013 the opposite side of the field to leg side.<\/li>\n<\/ul>
Second, distances<\/em> from the batter are generally described using five words: silly, short, mid, long and deep.<\/p>\n
Silly<\/strong> \u2013 very close, often requiring fielders to wear protective equipment<\/li>\n
Short<\/strong> \u2013 close, but further from the batter than silly<\/li>\n
Mid<\/strong> \u2013 roughly halfway between the wicket and the boundary<\/li>\n
Long\/deep<\/strong> \u2013 close to the boundary rope, used interchangeably<\/li>\n<\/ul>
Third, angles<\/em> play a role in determining a player\u2019s position.<\/p>\n
Square<\/strong> \u2013 an imaginary extension of the line along the crease (between 9 and 3 on the diagram)<\/li>\n
Backward<\/strong> \u2013 behind square and the batter<\/li>\n
Forward<\/strong> \u2013 in front of square and the batter<\/li>\n
Fine<\/strong> \u2013 behind square, closer to the wicket keeper (closer to the line between 12 and 6 on the diagram)<\/li>\n
Wide<\/strong> \u2013 behind square, further from the wicket keeper (closer to the line between 9 and 3 on the diagram)<\/li>\n<\/ul>
There are 11 players on each team, with a bowler and wicketkeeper used in every single ball delivered during a match.<\/p>\n
This leaves nine players to deploy among the positions listed below. Captains will choose where to place their fielders based on who the bowler is, how they will bowl and where they are most likely to catch the ball, or at least prevent runs and boundaries from being a scored.<\/p>\n
Areas of the Field<\/strong><\/h3>\n
While there are nuances, and captains will always try to experiment with their setups, cricket fielding positions can generally be broken into three categories:<\/p>\n
Close infield<\/strong> \u2013 Fielders here are considered to be in attacking positions with the aim of taking wickets. This includes the slip cordon (or slips), silly point, short leg and other close fielding positions where the fielders will be static as the bowler runs in. The aim of the close catchers is in the name. If a batter edges a ball (the ball flicks off the bat behind the batter), the row of slips are well positioned to catch the ball.<\/li>\n
Infield<\/strong> \u2013 In white-ball cricket, this is marked on the field as 30 yards from the pitch. The aim for these fielders is generally to prevent runs. Depending on the format and game situation, fielders in the inner ring will either be looking to prevent singles or stop the ball reaching the boundary. They may catch lower drives that failed to have enough power or height to run closer to the boundary.<\/li>\n
Outfield<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 These players are positioned right on the boundary rope. Mainly, they are trying to stop fours and sixes, but they can also be candidates for a catch if a shot is miscued or misjudged.<\/li>\n<\/ul>
List of cricket fielding positions<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Wicketkeeper<\/li>\n
Slip<\/li>\n
Gully<\/li>\n
Silly point<\/li>\n
Point<\/li>\n
Deep point<\/li>\n
Backward point<\/li>\n
Deep backward point<\/li>\n
Short third<\/li>\n
Deep third<\/li>\n
Short leg<\/li>\n
Square leg<\/li>\n
Deep square leg<\/li>\n
Backward square leg<\/li>\n
Deep backward square leg<\/li>\n
Long leg<\/li>\n
Short fine leg<\/li>\n
Deep fine leg<\/li>\n
Cover<\/li>\n
Extra cover<\/li>\n
Deep extra cover<\/li>\n
Mid off<\/li>\n
Long off<\/li>\n
Mid on<\/li>\n
Long on<\/li>\n
Mid wicket<\/li>\n
Deep mid wicket<\/li>\n<\/ul>
Of course, there are endless variations of the positions above, with wide, fine, forward and backward tweaks able to be made with regards to almost any of the positions above.<\/p>\n
However, the above list and diagram should be able to give you a working knowledge of the principles behind cricket fielding positions so you can begin to decipher the code spoken by commentators.<\/p>\n
How to watch The Ashes on TV and live stream<\/strong><\/h2>\n
You can watch The Ashes live on Sky Sports<\/a> Cricket and Main Event.<\/p>\n
You can add the Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Football channels for just \u00a318 per month combined or pick up the complete sports package for just \u00a325 per month.<\/p>\n
Find out more about the best Sky packages<\/b><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>
Sky Sports customers can live stream The Ashes via the Sky Go app on a variety of devices including most smartphones and tablets as part of their subscription.<\/p>\n
You can also watch The Ashes via NOW<\/a>\u00a0without signing up to a contract.<\/p>\n
NOW can be streamed through a computer or apps found on most smart TVs, phones and consoles. NOW is also available via BT Sport.<\/p>
If you\u2019re looking for something else to watch, check out our\u00a0TV Guide<\/a>\u00a0and Streaming<\/span> Guide<\/span><\/b><\/a> or visit our Sport<\/a> hub for all the latest news.<\/strong><\/p>\n
Take part in\u00a0the Screen Test<\/a>, a project from Radio Times and the Universities of Sussex and Brighton, to explore the role of television and audio in our lives.<\/strong><\/p>\n
Try Radio Times magazine today and get 12 issues for only \u00a31 with delivery to your home \u2013\u00a0<\/strong>subscribe now<\/strong><\/a>. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to\u00a0<\/strong>The Radio Times Podcast<\/strong><\/a>.<\/strong><\/p> <\/body><\/html>\n
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