Deep Point in cricket
Deep point is a boundary fielder on the off side, square of the wicket, who stops the cut and the square drive before they reach the rope.
Deep point stands near the boundary on the off side, level with the batter. It is the deep version of point, and it guards the large area square on the off side.
A slightly finer version, sometimes called deep backward point, stands a few steps behind square for a batter who cuts late.
What does a deep point do?
- Stops the cut and the square drive that beat point.
- Catches the high shot hit square on the off side.
- Saves the second run when the ball is hit into the gap.
When should you use a deep point?
- Against a batter who cuts well, in the middle and late overs.
- Against a spinner who bowls short and wide, as in the spin bowling field.
- In the death overs, when the bowler bowls wide of off stump.
What skills does a deep point need?
Deep point needs a strong, flat throw from a long way and quick feet to cut off the ball before it reaches the rope. Judging a ball that is hit hard and square is the main skill, since it can be hit in the air or along the ground.
What are common mistakes at deep point?
- Standing flat on the rope, so the ball is past the fielder before they move.
- Standing too far in, so a ball hit over the top clears the fielder.
- Throwing to the keeper when the bowler’s end is closer.
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 point and deep point?
Point is inside the circle and stops singles. Deep point is near the boundary and stops fours.
Does deep point count outside the circle?
Yes. In ICC T20 and ODI matches it counts toward the limit on fielders outside the circle (30 yards in men’s ICC matches, 25 yards in women’s).
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.