Cricket equipment � part 2 of fielding positions

This is part 2 of fielding positions, so read on before you put on your cricket equipment

Cover - The cover area runs from point all the way round to mid-off.

It's another very busy area on the off-side to be fielding in and the better fielders will be found in this position. The main aim in the covers is to stop the runs coming from the batsman driving off the front or back foot. You might don your cricket equipment in order to field in extra cover, short extra cover or deep extra cover. Extra cover is positioned between the regular cover fielder and mid-off. If that fielder is then brought into a catching position closer to the wicket then they become the short extra cover fielder. Deep extra cover is a more defensive position out on the boundary.

Third man - damage limitation

You will find the third man positioned behind the wicket keeper on the off-side. The fielder is usually 45 degrees to the wicket around on the boundary. It covers a large area - anything that goes through the slip and gully areas. Often Test teams don't have a third man because they prefer to attack than to defend, which means that cricket equipment is put to use in limiting the number of runs the batsmen are making, rather than concentrating efforts on taking their wickets.

Fine leg

The position is on the leg side at around 45 degrees to the wicket. Although it's not considered the most glamorous position to field in, it is an important run-saving area. Players using their cricket equipment to play in this area will find themselves sweeping up a large area of the onside, particularly if the leg glance shot is being played.

Mid wicket

It is roughly between 45-60 degrees from the bat. It is another position where run-saving is the main aim, rather than attacking the batsmen.

Mid off � the Captain's choice

The captain often plays at this position because it means they are close to the bowler enabling them to pass on advice and encouragement. The job of a mid-off fielder is to cut off the straight drive and they must stay on their toes to prevent the quick singles. In mid off, the player will use their cricket equipment to play deep mid-off, silly mid-off or long off. Mid-off is normally positioned about 25-30 yards from the batsman, while silly mid-off is in close to the batsman looking for bat-pad chances. Deep mid-off is usually three-quarters of the way from the boundary, while long-off is right out on the rope.

Square leg

You will be in the company of the second umpire - you'll generally be standing very close to him. Alertness is the name of the game because your job will be taking sharp catches and moving in for the quick singles. Reactions have to be very sharp, and it is generally advised that the fielder's cricket equipment includes a helmet and shin guards.

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