Mid-on in cricket
Mid-on is an inner-ring fielder on the leg side, close to straight, who stops the straight drive and the whip off the pads.
Mid-on stands on the leg side of the bowler, a little way back, inside the circle. The fielder faces the batter and watches for the straight drive and the shot played off the pads.
It pairs with mid-off on the other side. A deeper version, long on, stands near the boundary.
What does a mid-on do?
- Stops the straight drive hit to the leg side of the bowler.
- Stops the flick and whip off the pads.
- Catches mistimed shots in the air.
When should you use a mid-on?
- In nearly every field, since the straight drive and the whip are common shots.
- In the powerplay, to save singles, as in the powerplay field.
- Moved back to long on for the slog overs.
What skills does a mid-on need?
Mid-on needs a steady catch, a good throw and quick movement forward. Mid-on and mid-off are often given to the bowlers who are not bowling that over, since they can see the batter and talk to the bowler.
What are common mistakes at mid-on?
- Drifting toward midwicket when the bowler bowls straight, leaving the straight drive open.
- Standing too deep, which gives the batter an easy single.
- Not backing up the throw to the bowler’s end.
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. It does not count toward the two-behind-square limit unless the fielder stands behind the popping crease on the leg side.
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 mid-on on the leg side?
Yes. For a right-hand batter, mid-on is on the leg side, on the right of the diagram.
What is the difference between mid-on and midwicket?
Mid-on is closer to straight. Midwicket is further round toward square leg and covers the pull and the flick.
Sources
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Exact distances depend on the batter, the bowler and the ground. Positions are standard names, not fixed spots.