10 Best Mid On Position in Cricket
Introduction
Mid On Position in Cricket? Cricket is a strategy‑based sport in which cricket fielding positions and field placements in cricket are very important. The place and role of each fielder is clear. This article focuses on the mid‑on position in cricket, but will also cover basic and advanced fielding positions on a cricket field—like mid off, silly mid on, side cover, gully, extra cover, long leg and silly point etc.
Fielding Positions on a Cricket Field: A Quick Overview
A cricket team has 11 fielders including bowler and wicket‑keeper. The remaining 9 fielders are scattered on the field according to their positions:
Slip region (first slip, second slip,…)
Gully
point
Cover (extra cover, cover point)
Mid off, mid on
Square leg, fine leg, long leg
Silly point, silly mid on, silly mid of
side cover
These cricket field positions are adjusted according to the angle of the batting line and the bowler—especially against right‑handed or left‑handed batsmen.
Mid‑On Position in Cricket
Mid‑on is a close‑in position on the on‑side (leg side) of the batsman, close to the ball side. When the ball is pitched from the bowler’s end and the batsman is on the leg side, mid‑on plays a valuable role for catch opportunities and single‑saving.
Key Functions:
Single prevention: If the ball is going to the ground, mid‑on cuts the single before the match.
Catch chances: Mid‑on can attempt a catch on a flick shot or a lofted shot.
Bowler support: Manages ground penalties by becoming a running fielder.
Mid Off vs Mid On
Mid off is on the off‑side of batting, mid on is on the leg‑side. Both cover similar angles, but these are mirror‑image positions:
Silly Mid On Cricket
Silly mid on is closer to mid on, approximately 5‑7 metres above the shoulder. This close‑catch position is especially effective at the start of the delivery when a short pitched or cutting stroke is expected. Risk‑reward position—a forceful shot, a direct catch or a flash of gloves are useful in such situations.
Silly Mid On in Cricket and Silly Mid Off Comparison
Silly mid off mirror‑image leg side:
Silly mid on: On the leg‑side, a close position for a more angled shot.
Silly mid off: On the off‑side.
Both are on one shoulder of the wicket‑keeper, but field placement adjusts according to the batsman’s stance.
Other Related Positions
Position
definition
Slip
Behind batsman, inclined line for edges – slip fly catch zones.
Gully
Slightly slip wide, short leg like line but off side.
Silly Point
Close‑in off‑side equivalent of silly mid on.
Side Cover
In cover region, for angle batting shot.
Extra Cover
Cover area, wide of off‑side.
Long Leg
Deep leg‑side, boundary proximity.
fine legs
Near boundary behind wicket‑keeper on leg‑side.
All these cricket fielding positions names in cricket are widely recognized and the captain shifts according to field placing in cricket.
Fielding Setup in Cricket and Strategic Placement
Captain and bowler adjust field placements according to the state of the inning, power of the batsman and bounce of the track. If batsman is strong flicker, to mid on position, silly mid on cricket, long leg in cricket or fine leg strong placement should be honi. If off‑side stroke power shot is too much to mid‑off, extra cover, side cover, silly point is optimized.
Fielding Positions for Right‑Handed Batsman
For right‑handed batsman, on‑side is left side of wicket‑keeper (mid on, long leg, fine leg). Off‑side is the right side (mid off, cover, gully). Captain often balances field setting:
Right handed: Field heavily on off side if batsman strong off play.
Left handed: Mirror‑image placements (mid‑on side of shot becomes mid‑off etc.)
How Many Players Are in Cricket Team
There are 11 players in the cricket team: 1 bowler, 1 wicket‑keeper, and 9 fielders including mid on/off, slip, gully, long leg, etc.
Field Positions Diagram (Cricket Field Positions Diagram)
Gully Cricket vs Professional Fielding
In Gully cricket all players follow moving and unpredictable fields, but professional fielding position cricket is defined and discipline-oriented. Basic region (point, cover, mid off/on, long leg) is same but positions are clearly defined.
Importance of Field Placement in Cricket
Runs stop mein madad
Catch opportunities increase
Bowler confidence boost is hota hai jab field support is strong
Strategy: Mid on/off corner placements on slow pitch, boundary fielders are key on fast pitch.
Advanced Field Settings
Attacking setting: More close‑in fielders — slip, silly mid on, silly point
Defensive setting: Deep fielders — long leg, deep extra cover, boundary mid on/off
Balanced: Mid on and mid off strong rakhna + cover/extra cover + slip/gully
Mid On Position in Real Match Situations
Mid-on position in cricket is not just a static place, but it is constantly adjusted according to the dynamics of the match. If a batsman plays a flick or straight drive well, then the captain sets the mid-on a little deep or wide so that the run can be stopped.
Example:
If the bowler is right-arm fast and the batsman is right-handed, then:
Mid-on should be kept a little straight.
If the bowler bowls an inswing delivery, and the batsman plays a flick shot, then mid-on can be caught or a single can be stopped.
Like this:
Against a left-handed batsman, the mid-on is shifted a little to the leg-side.
Field placement in cricket is adjusted after every over.
Fielding Drills for Mid On
Cricket academies and professional teams conduct drills so that the fielder can develop fast reflexes and accurate throws. Some special fielding drills for mid-on fielders:
Throw to stumps drill – Accurate throw is practised at mid-on to stop the batsman’s quick single.
Catch under pressure – Stay calm and catch the ball under lofted shots.
Reaction drills – Quick dive and throw-back on straight drives.
These drills are important for every fielding position in cricket but especially for mid-on when fielding is in the place of short mid-on or silly mid-on.
Communication Between Bowler and Fielder
There should be good communication between mid-on and bowler. Often the bowler tries to make the batsman flick and mid-on is ready at that angle. If the fielder is alert and aware of the bowler’s plan, he can make short catches or create a chance of run-out.
Voice signals like “Ready mid-on!” are used during the match.
Mid-on and mid-off both have to maintain eye contact with the bowler.
Psychological Impact of a Strong Mid On
Sometimes fielding has not only physical but also mental effect. When silly mid-on in cricket or close-in fielders are too aggressive and alert, the batsman feels pressure.
He plays a quick shot
Goes defensive
Or makes a mistake in shot selection
That is, a good mid-on is not just for stopping the ball, but also for mentally trapping the batsman.
Final Word on Importance of Mid On
Fielding placement in cricket is an evolving science. Every position—including mid on position in cricket—can have a direct impact on the outcome of the game. Whether it is saving runs, taking a catch, or creating pressure, mid-on plays a critical role in every format of cricket (Test, ODI, T20).
If you are learning cricket, make sure to practice mid-on positioning, body language, and anticipation.
Summary
Mid‑on is a central leg‑side fielding position in cricket—for single prevention and catch opportunities.
Mid‑off, silly mid on, silly mid off are mirror‑image and close‑in counterparts
Fielding positions on a cricket field (slip, gully, point, cover, long leg, fine leg) define overall team strategy.
The difference between gully cricket and professional placement is based on discipline and clarity.
Field placement in cricket is adjusted according to each bowler’s strategy and batsman’s style.