Long Off in cricket
Long off is a deep fielder on the off side, close to straight, who protects the straight boundary against the lofted drive.
Long off stands near the boundary on the off side of the bowler, almost in line with the stumps at the bowler’s end. It is the deep version of mid-off.
Together with long on on the leg side, long off guards the straight boundary, which is where a batter hits when going over the top.
What does a long off do?
- Stops the lofted drive hit toward the straight boundary.
- Catches the high shot hit toward the boundary.
- Saves runs when the batter hits a ball into the gap between mid-off and the boundary.
When should you use a long off?
- In the middle and late overs, when batters hit over the top, as in the death overs field.
- Against a spinner when the batter steps out, as in the spin bowling field.
- When the batter is strong down the ground.
What skills does a long off need?
Long off needs safe hands for the high catch under pressure, and the ability to judge a ball dropping from a height. A strong throw matters when the ball is hit short of the boundary. Many teams place a tall, confident catcher here.
What are common mistakes at long off?
- Standing too close to the boundary rope, so there is no room to step back for the catch.
- Standing too deep, so a ball hit into the gap drops short.
- Not calling for the catch when the ball is between long off and long on.
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 long off and mid-off?
Mid-off stands inside the circle to stop singles. Long off is near the boundary to stop fours and sixes.
Does long off 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.