Leg Slip in cricket
Leg slip is a close fielder on the leg side, behind the batter, who catches the glance or the deflection that goes off the pads or the bat toward the leg side behind the wicket.
Leg slip stands behind the batter on the leg side, close to the keeper, in the mirror position of first slip. It is used when the ball is coming into the batter’s pads and the batter is likely to glance it fine.
The diagram shows an approximate position, since leg slip is not one of the planner’s standard positions.
What does a leg slip do?
- Catches the glance and the deflection off the pads.
- Catches the ball that goes off the bat’s inside edge past the keeper.
- Adds pressure on a batter who plays across the line.
When should you use a leg slip?
- Against a bowler who bowls into the pads and the batter tends to glance.
- Against spin that turns into the batter’s pads.
- In Test cricket, where catchers matter more than boundary riders.
What skills does a leg slip need?
Leg slip needs a low stance, quick reactions and the ability to watch the ball past the batter. The fielder has to stay still and catch with soft hands, as in the slips on the off side.
What are common mistakes at leg slip?
- Adding a third fielder behind square on the leg side, which makes the delivery a no-ball.
- Standing too wide, so the glance passes between leg slip and the keeper.
- Moving after the ball is in play and before it reaches the striker, which can be called as unfair movement.
What rules affect this position?
Leg slip stands behind the popping crease on the leg side, so the fielder counts toward the Law 28.4 limit of two such fielders, other than the keeper, at the instant of delivery. If a third fielder stands there, the umpire at the striker’s end calls a no-ball. Gloves and external leg guards are not permitted for fielders other than the keeper (clause 28.1).
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
Is leg slip allowed in cricket?
Yes. It is allowed as long as no more than two fielders, other than the wicket keeper, are behind the popping crease on the leg side at the instant of delivery.
What is the difference between leg slip and fine leg?
Leg slip is a close catching position next to the keeper. Fine leg stands further back and to the side to stop the ball running away.
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
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.