The Field of Play

Cricket is played on a large, flat oval or circular field with a pitch in the middle. On the field of play there are always 2 umpire, 2 batters, and all of the fielding team. The fielding team is organized into positions the captain feels will either prevent run scoring or affect a dismissal. At the end of each over a new bowler bowls from opposite end of the pitch, and all the fielders and umpires anre repositioned accordingly.

The Field Positions

The image shows most of the common fielding positions the fielding captain may choose from when a right hand batter is on strike.

The Pitch

The closely mown, even surface at the centre of the field of play is known as the pitch. Moisture content, grass height, soil type, and degree of soil compaction are among the many pitch releated factors that help determine how the ball will travel after it strikes the pitch.