In cricket, the cover, often known as the covers, is an area of the field adjacent to the batter. The location of the cover region varies depending on the batter, but it is always on the off side in front of the batter, running from around just forward of the square on the off side through an approximately 20-degree sweep upward across the field.
The cover drive is regarded as one of the most exquisite cricket shots in the game. However, in this article, we will look at the different fielding positions in the cover region.
Cover
The cover is more square, with the batter making a 45-degree angle towards the off side boundary and any point fielder.
On the field, this is a tactical position. Given ideal conditions, many batters would repeatedly hit this area, so some captains choose to leave it open to tempt drives and put the slips and catchers into play.
Cover fielders are usually good athletes who can block and cover the ground in this area. You may have to halt certain critical runs.
Deep Cover
The deep cover is a position employed when batsmen frequently play drive shots. Some batters will always try to drive to this position.
This might be good news for your slips, especially if the ball is bouncing around. If the ball does not move and batters continue to hit the ball through the covers, a deep cover can operate as a sweeper, stopping the boundaries in this area. This is a defensive position, although it is often necessary.
Extra Cover
This is the position between mid off and cover. A fielder may be positioned here based on the batter’s talents and preferences, as the batter may frequently hit in this direction.
Cover and extra cover can be used interchangeably, and one fielder may switch between the two depending on what the batter might do.
Deep Extra Cover
A position similar to deep cover, but a little straighter. This is another position that will require you to sweep up and stop the fours as much as possible.
