Backward Point in cricket
Backward point is an inner-ring fielder on the off side, a little behind square, who stops the cut and catches the edge that carries between gully and point.
Backward point stands between gully and point, inside the circle and slightly behind the line of the batter. It covers the gap that opens between the slip cordon and the square fielders.
Move the fielder a few steps back and it becomes a catching position for the slashed cut, or a few steps forward and it becomes point.
What does a backward point do?
- Stops the late cut and the upper cut played behind square.
- Catches the edge that carries wide of the slips and gully.
- Cuts off the single played behind square on the off side.
When should you use a backward point?
- Against a bowler who bowls short and wide of off stump, as in the pace bowling field.
- Against a batter who cuts late and square.
- While a slip cordon is in place and point is needed in a wider, squarer role.
What skills does a backward point need?
Backward point needs a quick first step and a flat, accurate throw from the side. The fielder has to react to a ball hit hard and late, so staying low and balanced as the bowler delivers is the key habit.
What are common mistakes at backward point?
- Standing too close to gully and leaving the gap to point open.
- Watching the bat instead of the ball and reacting late to the cut.
- Throwing to the keeper when the bowler’s end is the better target.
What rules affect this position?
This position is inside the fielding circle, so it does not count toward the limit on fielders outside the circle in ICC T20 and ODI matches.
Is it the same for a left-hand batter?
This position is on the off side. For a right-hand batter it is on the left of the diagram. For a left-hand batter the off side swaps to the other half of the ground, so the position keeps its name but moves to the opposite side of the pitch.
In the planner, switch the plan to left-hand batter and every field mirrors for you. See field settings for a left-hand batter.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between backward point and point?
Backward point stands slightly behind the line of the batter, so it catches the late cut. Point is square, so it stops the cut played earlier.
Is backward point used in T20?
Often in the powerplay, where an inner-ring fielder behind square helps stop the cut without using one of the two outside fielders.
Sources
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Open Cricket Field MapRelated guides
Exact distances depend on the batter, the bowler and the ground. Positions are standard names, not fixed spots.