Slog overs field settings
In the slog overs set the field to cover the leg-side boundary and the straight boundaries first, because most big hits are swung across the line toward cow corner and midwicket.
The slog overs are the last few overs of a limited-overs innings, when batters swing hard at nearly every ball. This is close to the death overs but the focus here is where the ball is hit, not how the bowler delivers it. The diagram is for a right-hand batter with four fielders outside the circle, which is legal for men and women; men may add a fifth.
Where do batters hit in the slog overs?
Most slog shots are hit across the line, because a right-hander has the most power through midwicket. That area from long on to deep square leg is the largest boundary target, and the straight boundary between long off and long on is the next.
Which five boundary fielders should you choose?
- Deep midwicket, the single most hit-to spot against a right-hander.
- Long on and long off, for the straight hit.
- Deep square leg, for the pull and the slog sweep.
- Deep fine leg, for the ramp and the glance behind square.
That leaves the off side lightly protected, so the inner ring on that side (point and cover) must stop singles. If the batter is strong through the off side, swap deep fine leg for deep cover.
Is that field legal?
Yes. In ICC men’s T20 and ODI matches no more than five fielders may be outside the 30-yard circle after the powerplay (four in women’s matches, outside a 25-yard circle), no more than five may be on the leg side at the instant of delivery, and no more than two may be behind the popping crease on the leg side. This diagram has four outside the circle, so it is legal for men and women, and it keeps within the other two limits. Competitions differ, so check your own conditions.
How should the bowler work with the field?
The bowler should aim at the part of the field that is protected. For a leg-side field, that means bowling wide of the off stump or a full ball at the base of the stumps. A short ball into the body gets pulled into the stand if the field is set for a yorker. The bowler and captain should agree on the delivery before each ball, since the field and the ball have to match.
When should you change the field?
After a boundary, when a new batter arrives, or when the batter changes stance or starts to move across the stumps. A batter who walks across to hit over fine leg needs the deep fine leg moved back and the straight fielders brought in slightly.
Frequently asked questions
How many fielders can be on the boundary in the slog overs?
In ICC men’s T20 and ODI matches, up to five can be outside the 30-yard circle after the powerplay. In women’s matches the limit is four, outside a 25-yard circle.
Should the slog overs field have a slip?
Almost never. A batter swinging hard rarely edges to slip, and a fielder there is a fielder not on the boundary.
Sources
- ICC Men’s T20I Match, Clause 28: The Fielder
- ICC Men’s ODI Match, Clause 28: The Fielder
- MCC Laws of Cricket, Law 28: The Fielder (Lord’s)
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Fielding restrictions differ between competitions and age groups. Check your own playing conditions.