Midwicket in cricket
Midwicket is an inner-ring fielder on the leg side between mid-on and square leg, who stops the pull, the flick and the shot played across the line.
Midwicket stands in front of square on the leg side, inside the circle, about halfway between mid-on and square leg. The fielder faces the batter at an angle, watching the shots played across the line.
A deeper version, deep midwicket, stands near the boundary, and a closer version is short midwicket.
What does a midwicket do?
- Stops the flick and the whip played off the pads.
- Catches the mistimed pull in the air.
- Cuts off singles to the leg side.
When should you use a midwicket?
- In most fields for a right-hand batter, because many shots are played to the leg side, as in the powerplay field.
- Against a spinner when the batter sweeps or hits across the line.
- Moved back to deep midwicket for the slog.
What skills does a midwicket need?
Midwicket needs good reactions, because the ball arrives at speed across the line. A strong throw from the side and a safe catch above the head are the main skills. The fielder must also watch the batter’s feet and move early.
What are common mistakes at midwicket?
- Standing too deep, so the batter takes an easy single.
- Drifting toward mid-on when the bowler bowls straight and leaving the gap to square leg.
- Not backing up when the throw comes in at 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. The fielder is on the leg side, so counts toward the limit of five leg-side fielders in ICC T20 and ODI matches.
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 midwicket and deep midwicket?
Midwicket is inside the circle and stops singles. Deep midwicket is near the boundary and stops fours and sixes.
Does midwicket count toward the leg-side limit?
Yes. In ICC T20 and ODI matches no more than five fielders may be on the leg side at the instant of delivery.
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.