Different Attacking Cricket Field Setting for Various Bowlers

An attacking cricket field setting is a tactical arrangement that aims to create pressure on the batsman. The main goal is to take wickets by positioning fielders close to the batsman. This strategy is often used when the bowler is dominating or the pitch is offering assistance, such as early in the innings or on a green, seaming track. An effective attacking field setting puts the batsman on the back foot, forcing mistakes. How can a captain decide the right moment to set an attacking field?

Understanding the Basics of Field Settings

Field settings in cricket involve strategically positioning players to maximize wicket-taking opportunities or minimize runs. Standard positions include slip, gully, cover, mid-wicket, and short leg. An attacking field places multiple fielders close to the batsman, primarily in catching positions.

In contrast, a defensive field spreads out to prevent easy scoring. The key to an effective field setting is understanding the bowler’s style and the pitch conditions. For example, fast bowlers thrive with slips and gully to catch edges. Spin bowlers, on the other hand, need short leg and silly point to grab inside edges or mis-hits.

Key Elements of an Attacking Field Setting

An attacking field focuses on close-in positions like slips, gully, leg slip, and short leg. Slips are crucial for catching edges from fast bowlers. A gully is placed for sharper edges that fly square of the wicket. In contrast, leg slip is set for balls drifting down the leg side, especially against pace.

Short leg and silly point are key positions for spin bowlers, placed close to the batsman to catch mis-hits and deflections. The fielder at short leg watches for any quick glances or deflections off the bat or body. In essence, each position in an attacking field setting aims to pressure the batsman into making mistakes.

Different Attacking Field Settings for Various Bowlers

The field settings vary depending on whether the bowler is a fast bowler or a spinner.

• For Fast Bowlers: An effective attacking field often includes multiple slips (first slip, second slip, etc.), a gully, and a short leg. The slips and gully are positioned to catch edges flying off the bat. A leg slip can be added if the bowler is aiming at the batsman’s pads, creating chances for catches on the leg side. Mid-off and mid-on are kept to cut off straight drives. This setting works well when the ball is new, swinging, or seaming.
• For Spin Bowlers: With spinners, close-in fielders are critical. Silly point, short leg, and slip positions are common, as they target batsmen attempting to play forward or defend. Additional fielders like leg slip or backward short leg can be positioned for deliveries that induce mistakes. The key is to build pressure, making the batsman feel surrounded and more likely to make errors.

When to Use Attacking Field Settings

Attacking field settings are most effective in specific situations. Early in the innings, when the ball is new and conditions favor the bowlers, an aggressive field can quickly put pressure on the batsmen. Similarly, if a new or inexperienced batsman arrives at the crease, an attacking field can force errors. This approach is also useful on pitches with uneven bounce or excessive turn.

Captains often adopt attacking fields when quick wickets are needed, such as defending a low total or breaking a solid partnership. Timing is crucial; setting an attacking field too early or without adequate support from the bowler can backfire.

Examples of Classic Attacking Field Settings

One classic attacking setup is the “Short leg, long arms” strategy. This involves placing a short leg fielder directly under the batsman’s nose while having a few slips and a gully spread wider. The setup is designed to catch both edges of the bat slips and gully for outside edges, short leg for inside ones.

Historical instances showcase how this aggressive approach has turned matches. During the 2005 Ashes series, England used a packed slip cordon effectively against Australia, creating constant pressure. Similarly, in recent matches, bowlers like Ravichandran Ashwin have used short leg and silly point brilliantly to outfox batsmen. These moments underline the importance of understanding when to use an attacking field for maximum impact.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While an attacking field can pressure the batsman, over-aggression can create gaps for easy runs. For example, setting too many close-in fielders without enough support in the outfield can lead to boundaries through open spaces. Another mistake is not adapting the field to the batsman’s style. If a batsman is strong on the off-side, packing the leg side with fielders is less effective.

Similarly, using attacking fields on pitches that don’t offer much help to bowlers, like flat tracks, might backfire. Success depends on reading the game situation and making timely adjustments to the field placements.

Adapting Attacking Field Settings for Different Formats

Attacking field settings require adaptation based on the format of the game.

• In Test Cricket: The format allows for extended periods of attacking play. Captains can employ multiple slips, gully, short leg, and silly point to create pressure over time. The long duration of a Test match means the field can be adjusted as conditions change, making it ideal for prolonged attacking strategies.
• In One Day Internationals (ODIs): Fielding restrictions limit the number of fielders outside the 30-yard circle, particularly in the first ten overs (powerplay). Captains often use attacking fields in this phase, setting slips, short cover, and mid-wicket to hunt for early wickets. However, balancing between aggression and run containment is crucial.
• In T20 Cricket: With only 20 overs to play, aggressive field settings are often limited to the first few overs. Captains might set a slip or a short leg when the ball is new, but the need to restrict runs takes priority. The fielding captain must quickly switch to defensive tactics if the batsmen start scoring freely.

FAQs

Q1: What are the best attacking field settings for a fast bowler?

Ans: An ideal attacking field for a fast bowler includes multiple slips (first, second, and third), a gully, and possibly a leg slip. This setup aims to catch edges off the bat. Depending on conditions, a short leg can be added for catching balls that pop up off the batsman’s pads.

Q2: How do pitch conditions influence field settings?

Ans: Pitch conditions play a vital role. On a green, seaming pitch, close-in fielders like slips and gully become essential, as the ball is likely to move around and catch edges. On a turning track, positions like short leg, silly point, and leg slip are more beneficial for spinners as they induce errors in the batsman’s defensive play.

Q3: When should a captain switch from an attacking to a defensive field setting?

Ans: Captains typically switch to a defensive field when a batsman settles in or if the pitch becomes easier for batting. Another situation is when the team needs to focus on containing runs, especially in limited-overs formats. Monitoring the batsman’s intent and adjusting the field accordingly is key.

Q4: Can an attacking field be effective in limited-overs cricket?

Ans: Yes, but it’s situational. In the powerplay overs of ODIs and T20s, attacking fields with slips and close-in catchers are common. Outside the powerplay, attacking fields can still be used against new batsmen or during death overs when quick wickets are crucial.

Q5: What are some famous instances of attacking field settings in cricket history?

Ans: One of the most famous is the 2005 Ashes series, where England employed an aggressive slip cordon against Australia. Another example is Shane Warne’s use of silly point and short leg to trap batsmen on turning pitches. These strategies often resulted in match-turning moments.

Wrapping Up

An attacking field setting is a crucial strategy in cricket, used to create pressure and force mistakes from the batsman. While it can lead to quick wickets, success depends on several factors, including pitch conditions, bowler type, and the match situation. Captains need to be adaptable, knowing when to shift between attacking and defensive field placements.

A well-set attacking field can change the game’s momentum and turn tight situations into advantages. Ultimately, a deep understanding of the game and situational awareness helps in setting the perfect attacking field.