Long On in cricket
Long on is a deep fielder on the leg side, close to straight, who protects the straight boundary and the area toward midwicket against the lofted shot.
Long on stands near the boundary on the leg side of the bowler, almost in line with the stumps at the bowler’s end. It is the deep version of mid-on and the partner of long off.
It covers both the straight hit and the shot played across the line toward midwicket, which makes it one of the busiest boundary positions in limited-overs cricket.
What does a long on do?
- Stops the lofted drive hit toward the straight boundary.
- Stops the slog over midwicket when it is hit straight.
- Catches the high shot hit toward the boundary.
When should you use a long on?
- Against a spinner when the batter hits over the top, as in the spin bowling field.
- In the slog overs, where straight and leg-side hitting is common.
- In the middle overs when the batter is looking to clear the ring.
What skills does a long on need?
Long on needs safe hands for the high catch, a good sense of where the ball is going, and a strong throw. Because many shots go to this area, the fielder needs to stay focused for the whole spell.
What are common mistakes at long on?
- Standing too straight, so the slog toward cow corner goes wide of the fielder.
- Standing too close to the rope, with no room to step back.
- Leaving the catch to the other fielder without a call.
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. It is also on the leg side, so the fielder counts toward the limit of five leg-side fielders in those formats.
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
What is the difference between long on and deep midwicket?
Long on is closer to straight. Deep midwicket is further round toward square leg and covers the pull and the slog.
Does long on count toward the leg-side limit?
Yes. It is on the leg side, so it counts toward the five leg-side fielders allowed in ICC T20 and ODI matches, as well as the outside-circle limit.
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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Exact distances depend on the batter, the bowler and the ground. Positions are standard names, not fixed spots.