Field settings for an off-spinner to a left-hander
When an off-spinner bowls to a left-hand batter the ball turns away from the bat, so the field needs a slip and catchers on the off side of the batter, plus boundary riders for the batter who hits against the spin.
An off-spinner’s stock ball turns from the batter’s off side toward the leg side for a right-hander. To a left-hander it does the opposite and turns away, which makes the edge a real threat. The diagram is mirrored for a left-hand batter, so the off side is on the right.
Why does the ball turn away from a left-hander?
The ball spins from the off side of a right-hander toward their leg side. A left-hander stands on the other side of the pitch, so the same delivery moves from their leg side to their off side, away from the bat. An edge flies toward the keeper and slip.
Which close fielders should an off-spinner have against a left-hander?
- A slip, because the turning ball finds the edge and carries.
- Cover or extra cover close to the bat, to catch a drive that is checked by the turn.
- Short midwicket or midwicket, because a left-hander often hits across the line to the leg side.
Where do the boundary fielders go?
Long on and deep midwicket guard the big hit over the leg side, which is where a left-hander slogs a ball that stays straight. Deep cover protects the boundary on the off side for the batter who drives against the spin. These three are enough in the middle overs, and they leave the other eight fielders in or near the ring.
What changes if the bowler goes around the wicket?
Going around the wicket changes the angle at which the ball reaches the batter, and with it the shots the batter can play and the line the slip needs to cover. Talk to the bowler before the over, and move the slip and the leg-side catcher to match the line the bowler will actually bowl, not the one you hoped for.
How do you set this in the planner?
Switch the plan to left-hand batter and the field mirrors automatically. Save one plan for left-handers so you can bring it up as soon as one walks in. The left-hand batter guide explains the mirroring in more detail.
Frequently asked questions
Does an off-spinner need a slip to a left-hander?
Usually yes, because the ball turns away from the bat and an edge carries to the keeper and slip.
Is the field the same as for a right-hander?
No. The mirror image is a starting point, but the turn moves the other way, so the catchers sit on the opposite side of the field from where they would for a right-hander.
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Open Cricket Field MapRelated guides
Fielding restrictions differ between competitions and age groups. Check your own playing conditions.