Deep Cover in cricket
Deep cover is a boundary fielder on the off side, between deep point and long off, who stops the lofted cover drive and the ball hit through the off side.
Deep cover stands near the boundary on the off side, roughly in line with the cover drive. It is the deep version of cover and extra cover.
It covers a wide arc of the off side, because the drive can be hit between deep point and long off.
What does a deep cover do?
- Stops the lofted cover drive.
- Catches the high shot hit through the off side.
- Saves the boundary for a batter who drives against the spin.
When should you use a deep cover?
- In the death overs, where a wide yorker is driven toward cover.
- Against a batter who is strong on the off side.
- In the middle overs when the batter looks to hit over the top.
What skills does a deep cover need?
Deep cover needs a safe catch from a ball that swings away in the air, and a strong throw. The fielder has to read the ball early and run in or across, since a drive can drop short or carry to the rope.
What are common mistakes at deep cover?
- Standing too straight, so a drive toward deep point goes wide.
- Misjudging the line of a swerving ball.
- Not communicating with long off for the catch between them.
What rules affect this position?
This position is near the boundary, outside the fielding circle, so the fielder counts toward the limit on fielders outside the circle. In men’s matches (30-yard circle) that is two in the first six overs of a T20 international, five after, and in ODIs two, four and five in the three phases (overs 1 to 10, 11 to 40 and 41 to 50). In women’s matches (25-yard circle) it is two in the first six overs of a T20 international and four after, and in ODIs two in overs 1 to 10 and four after that. The off side has no equivalent limit.
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 cover and deep cover?
Cover is inside the circle and stops singles. Deep cover is near the boundary and stops fours and sixes.
Does deep cover count outside the circle?
Yes, in ICC T20 and ODI matches.
Sources
- MCC Laws of Cricket, Law 28: The Fielder (Lord’s)
- ICC Men’s T20I Match, Clause 28: The Fielder
- ICC Men’s ODI Match, Clause 28: The Fielder
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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.