Gully in cricket
Gully is a close fielder on the off side, wider and squarer than the slips, who catches edges and cuts that go too wide for the slip cordon.
Gully stands to the off side of the last slip, a few metres behind square, so the ball that flies off the bat’s outside edge at a wider angle goes towards the fielder instead of through the cordon.
It sits in the gap between the slips and point, which is where hard cuts and thick edges often land.
What does a gully do?
- Catches the thick edge that goes too square for the slip cordon.
- Catches cut shots played at the ball just outside off stump.
- Closes the gap between the slips and point so the ball does not run for four.
When should you use a gully?
- With a slip cordon against a bowler who bowls a good length around off stump.
- Against a batter who likes to cut or slash outside off.
- When the pitch is bouncy and the ball is carrying to the cordon.
What skills does a gully need?
A gully fielder needs fast reactions, because the ball arrives hard and at an angle. Staying low, watching the ball and using both hands are the basics. The fielder is also close enough to take a sharp chance low to the ground, so diving is common.
What rules affect this position?
Under Law 28.1 and the ICC conditions, no fielder other than the wicket keeper may wear gloves or external leg guards, and any hand or finger protection needs the umpire’s consent. Helmets are allowed, and when not in use they may not be left on the ground except behind the keeper (clause 28.3.1). A fielder here counts as behind the popping crease on the on side unless the whole of their body, grounded or in the air, is in front of that line, so check that line when you count your leg-side fielders.
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 gully and slip?
Slips stand directly behind the keeper’s side of the stumps and catch fine edges. Gully is wider and squarer, so it catches the edge that goes at a wider angle.
Is gully used in T20?
Sometimes in the powerplay while the ball is new, but rarely later, when boundary fielders matter more.
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.