Fielding (cricket)
In the sport of cricket, all eleven players on the fielding side take the field together. One of them is the wicket-keeper, a specialist who operates behind the wicket being defended by the batter on strike. Besides the bowler and the wicket-keeper, the other nine fielders are tactically deployed by the team captain in chosen positions around the field, except as stipulated in Law 28.5 that they are not allowed to stand on the pitch.
The fielding positions are not fixed but they are known by specific and sometimes colourful names such as third man, silly mid on, and long leg. The captain determines all the tactics including who should bowl (and how); and is responsible for setting the field, though usually in consultation with the bowler.
The fielding team is allowed substitutes in case of injury or other valid reasons for a player's absence, subject to Law 24 which stipulates that a substitute is not allowed for a fielder who leaves for other than "a wholly acceptable reason".
Fielding (cricket) Media
- Slips.jpg
A wicket-keeper (bending down) and three slips wait for the next ball. The batter – out of shot – is a left-hander.
- Cricket fielding positions2.svg
Fielding positions for a right-handed batter
- The reliable book of outdoor games. Containing official rules for playing base ball, foot ball, cricket, lacrosse, tennis, croquet, etc (1893) (14781704162).jpg
Some historic fielding position names, from the 1893 publication The reliable book of outdoor games
- Close fielders.jpg
Example of two close fielders: a short leg and a silly point stand close to the batters on either side of the pitch. They are both wearing protective equipment (helmets and leg pads). The wicket-keeper is 'standing up' to the stumps, and the square leg umpire is also visible.
- Trescothick misfield.JPG
Marcus Trescothick fields at slip during a Twenty20 match.
- Close fielders.jpg
A silly point (far) and a short leg (near) fielding for Nottinghamshire. Both are wearing helmets. The wicket-keeper's shin pads are on the outside of their trousers, but the fielders must fit their guards underneath their clothing.
- Jonty Rhodes.jpg
Jonty Rhodes, who typically fielded at backward point, has been fielding coach for South Africa, Mumbai Indians and Kenya.
