page_title: Fielding (cricket)
section_title: Attacking and defending
hierarchical_section_title: Fielding (cricket) / Tactics of field placement / Attacking and defending
caption_attribution_description: English: Mark Turner executes a sliding stop at Taunton, June 27 2007
context_page_description: Fielding in the sport of cricket is the action of fielders in collecting the ball after it is struck by the batsman, to limit the number of runs that the batsman scores and/or to get the batsman out by catching the ball in flight or by running the batsman out. There are a number of recognised fielding positions, and they can be categorised into the offside and leg side of the field. Fielding generally involves preventing the ball from going to or over the edge of the field, and getting the ball to either wicket as quickly as possible.
  A fielder or fieldsman may field the ball with any part of his body. However, if while the ball is in play he wilfully fields it otherwise, the ball becomes dead and five penalty runs are awarded to the batting side, unless the ball previously struck a batsman not attempting to hit or avoid the ball. Most of the rules covering fielders are in Law 28 of the Laws of cricket.
  Fake fielding is the action caused by a fielder when he makes movements of some of his body parts as if he is fielding only to confuse batsmen into making mistakes. It is now a punishable offence under the new ICC rules.
context_section_description: The main decision for a fielding captain is to strike a balance between setting an attacking field and a defensive field. An attacking field is one in which fielders are positioned in such a way that they are likely to take catches, and thus likely to get the batsman out. Such a field generally involves having many fielders close to the batsman. For a pace bowler, an attacking field will usually include multiple slips (termed a cordon) and a gully; these are common positions for catching miss-hit shots. For a spin bowler, attacking positions include one or two slips, short leg or silly point.
  A defensive field is one in which most of the field is covered by a fielder; the batsman will therefore find it difficult to score runs. This generally involves having many fielders far from the batsman and in front of them, in the positions where they are most likely to hit the ball. Defensive fields generally have multiple fielders stationed close to the boundary rope to prevent fours being scored, and others close to the circle, where they can prevent singles.
  Many elements govern the decisions on field placements, including: the tactical situation in the match; which bowler is bowling; how long the batsman has been in; the wear on the ball; the state of the wicket; the light and weather conditions; or the time remaining until the next interval in play.
  Some general principles:
  Attack…
  … new batsmen
  A batsman early in their innings is less familiar with the conditions, the bowlers etc. and is more likely to make a miscalculated or rash shot, so it pays to have catching fielders ready.
  … with the new ball
  Fast bowlers get more swing and bounce with a less worn ball. Fielding teams generally use their best bowlers when the ball is new. Batting is consequently more difficult and more attacking fields can be used.
  … when returning from a break in play
  Batsmen must settle into a batting rhythm again when resuming play after a break (due to a scheduled interval betweens sessions, bad weather etc.). They are more likely to make mistakes whilst doing so.
  … with quality bowlers
  A team's best bowlers tend to deliver the most difficult balls to score from, and induce the most chances for a catch, so they get the most benefit from an attacking field.
  … when the pitch helps the bowler
  A moist pitch produces unpredictable bounce and seam-movement of the ball; a dry, crumbling pitch helps spin bowlers get increased and unpredictable spin; and damp, overcast conditions help swing bowlers. All three situations can lead to catches flying to close attacking fielders.
  … when the batting team is under pressure
  If the batting team is doing poorly or has low morale, increase the pressure by attacking with the field.
  … when the batting side are playing for a draw
  If the batting team is a long way behind in a timed game and there is not much time left, it becomes more important to bowl out the batsmen and secure a victory, than to control runs which would probably lead to a draw.
  Defend…
  … when batsmen are settled in
  It is difficult to get batsmen out when they have been batting for a long time and are comfortable with the bowling. Defending will slow the run scoring rate, which can frustrate the batsman and force them into playing a rash shot.
  … when the batting team needs to score runs quickly
  In situations where the batting team must score quickly in order to win or press an advantage (e.g. the "death overs" at the end of a limited-over innings), slowing down the scoring becomes more important than trying to dismiss the batsmen.
  … when the batting team is scoring quickly
  If the batsmen are scoring rapidly, it is unlikely they are offering many chances to get them out, so reduce the run scoring rate.
  … when the ball and pitch offer no help to the bowlers
  If there is no movement of the ball and the batsmen can hit it comfortably every time, there is little point in having many close catching fielders as few chances will be available.
  … when using weak bowlers
  If a relatively poor bowler must bowl for any reason, the potential damage can be limited by de
caption: Mark Turner executes a sliding stop at Taunton during a Twenty20 match.
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