Third Man in cricket
Third man is a deep fielder on the off side, behind the wicket, who stops the thin edge and the upper cut that run toward the boundary behind the keeper.
Third man stands near the boundary, behind the batter and on the off side, roughly in line with a ball that is edged past the slips. It is the deepest fielder behind the wicket.
A closer version, short third man, stands inside the circle to take a catch or cut off a single.
What does a third man do?
- Stops the edge that beats the slips and runs to the boundary.
- Stops the late cut and the upper cut played over the slips.
- Saves runs in the powerplay while fielding restrictions limit the boundary fielders.
When should you use a third man?
- In the powerplay, where third man and fine leg are the usual two outside fielders, as in the powerplay field.
- Against a batter who plays the upper cut or the late dab.
- In the death overs when the bowler bowls wide.
What skills does a third man need?
Third man needs a strong throw from the boundary and the discipline to stay alert when little comes his way. The fielder also has to judge the angle of the ball well, because the edge turns quickly. Practise running in from the boundary and throwing flat to the keeper.
What are common mistakes at third man?
- Standing too straight, so the edge runs wide of the fielder.
- Switching off between balls and reacting slowly to an edge.
- Throwing to the wrong end when a batter takes a second run.
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
Where does third man stand for a left-hand batter?
On the other side of the pitch. The off side swaps, so third man moves to the opposite half of the ground while keeping the name.
Does third man count outside the circle?
Yes. A third man near the boundary 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.