Extra Cover in cricket
Extra cover is an inner-ring fielder on the off side between cover and mid-off, who stops the front-foot drive and cuts off singles.
Extra cover stands in front of square on the off side, inside the circle, about halfway between cover and mid-off. The fielder faces the batter at an angle and moves toward the ball as it is hit.
It is the gap fielder for the lofted drive and the push into the off side, and the deep version is deep cover.
What does a extra cover do?
- Stops the drive played between cover and mid-off.
- Cuts off singles to the off side.
- Runs out batters who push for a quick single.
When should you use a extra cover?
- In the middle overs against a batter who drives on the front foot, as in the spin bowling field.
- In the death overs, where it is a catching and saving position for the lofted drive.
- When the bowler is pitching the ball up.
What skills does a extra cover need?
Extra cover needs the same fast, accurate pick-up and throw as cover, plus quick movement forward. Many captains put an athletic fielder here, because the position gets a lot of the ball and the fielder can save runs with a direct hit.
What are common mistakes at extra cover?
- Standing too deep for the single, which gives the batter a free run.
- Moving too early, so a straight drive passes behind the fielder.
- Calling for the catch late when the ball is between extra cover and mid-off.
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 cover and extra cover?
Extra cover is slightly straighter, closer to mid-off, and covers a more forward drive.
Is extra cover inside the circle?
Normally yes. A deeper version, deep cover, is near the boundary.
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.