Cover in cricket
Cover is an inner-ring fielder on the off side, between point and mid-off, who stops the drive played on the front foot through the off side.
Cover stands in front of square on the off side, inside the circle, about halfway between point and mid-off. The fielder faces the batter at an angle and moves forward or sideways to cut off drives.
Extra cover sits between cover and mid-off, a little straighter, and deep cover stands near the boundary.
What does a cover do?
- Stops the cover drive, one of the most common shots in cricket.
- Cuts off singles to the off side.
- Runs out batters who push for a quick single.
When should you use a cover?
- In nearly every field for a right-hand batter who plays on the front foot.
- In the middle overs, when the batter is looking for singles, as in the spin bowling field.
- Moved up for an attacking field, or back for a defensive one.
What skills does a cover need?
Cover needs quick feet, a good throwing arm and the ability to pick up and throw in one movement. Many teams put their best fielder here, since the position sees a lot of the ball and a good fielder can turn singles into dot balls.
What are common mistakes at cover?
- Standing still as the bowler releases, instead of taking a small step in.
- Throwing to the wrong end because the fielder did not look before picking up.
- Leaving the ball for extra cover without a call.
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. It does not count toward the two-behind-square limit unless the fielder stands behind the popping crease on the leg side.
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
Who should field at cover?
Usually the best all-round fielder, because the position sees a lot of the ball and rewards a strong throw.
What is the difference between cover and extra cover?
Extra cover is slightly straighter, closer to mid-off, and covers a more forward drive.
Sources
Put your players on the field, save a plan for each situation, and send it to the team as a link. No sign-up.
Open Cricket Field MapRelated guides
Exact distances depend on the batter, the bowler and the ground. Positions are standard names, not fixed spots.