Deep Fine Leg in cricket
Deep fine leg is a boundary fielder on the leg side, behind square, who stops the glance, the hook and the fine sweep before they reach the rope.
Deep fine leg stands near the boundary on the leg side, behind the batter and close to a line running back from the stumps. It is the deep version of fine leg.
It is one of the two usual outside fielders in the powerplay, together with third man.
What does a deep fine leg do?
- Stops the leg glance and the ball tickled off the pads.
- Catches the hook shot hit high toward the boundary.
- Stops the fine sweep played against a spinner.
When should you use a deep fine leg?
- In the powerplay, as in the powerplay field.
- Against a fast bowler who bowls short, since the hook goes behind square.
- For the ramp and scoop in the slog overs.
What skills does a deep fine leg need?
Deep fine leg needs a strong throw from a long way, since the fielder is a long distance from the stumps. Running in and a clean pick-up matter, and so does judging a hook shot in the air.
What are common mistakes at deep fine leg?
- Standing too square, so the glance passes behind the fielder.
- Standing too fine, so the sweep goes in front.
- Forgetting that this fielder counts toward the two-behind-square limit.
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. It is on the leg side, so the fielder also counts toward the limit of five leg-side fielders in those formats. The fielder also stands behind the popping crease on the leg side, so counts toward the Law 28.4 limit of two such fielders, other than the keeper, at the instant of delivery.
Is it the same for a left-hand batter?
This position is on the leg side. For a right-hand batter it is on the right of the diagram. For a left-hand batter the leg 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
Does deep fine leg count toward the two-behind-square limit?
Yes. A fielder behind the popping crease on the leg side counts toward the limit of two, not counting the wicket keeper.
What is the difference between fine leg and deep fine leg?
Fine leg stands inside the circle. Deep fine leg stands near the boundary and counts as outside the circle.
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.