Fielding is a key factor in deciding the result of a match in the fast-paced game of cricket. Mid on and mid off are two of the most important and hard positions on the field among the numerous fielding positions. These roles are critical to the success of any team because they call for a unique blend of dexterity, foresight, and accuracy.
In the centre of the fielding formation, mid on and mid off form a defensive shield by positioning themselves on either side of the pitch, just inside the 30-yard circle.
Their main duty is to stop the batters from hitting the boundaries and scoring runs by intercepting their straight drives and grounded strokes.
Mid On and Mid Off
Directly on the right side of the umpire, on the leg side of the pitch, is where mid on is located. The fielder in this position needs to be agile and have quick reflexes because the ball can be hit powerfully and low towards the leg side.
To prevent the ball from crossing the boundary, the mid on fielder must be able to predict the shot’s path, respond quickly, and dive.
Mid off, which is the opposite of mid on, is located on the left side of the umpire on the off side of the pitch.
They have a similar job as mid on, but because they frequently have to field shots that have been lofted over the field, they also have to judge the trajectory of balls struck in the air. Mid off demands quickness, foresight, and a strong grasp of the catch.
Also Read | The Difference Between Off Side and Leg Side in Cricket
Fielding Strategies
The captain continuously modifies the positions of mid on and mid off in accordance with the batsman’s style and the state of the game.
Mid on and mid off will be positioned closer to the bowler, creating a tighter defensive ring if the batter is known for hitting hard and straight. In contrast, the fielders will move back to offer better coverage for boundaries if the batsman is more likely to play cuts and pulls.
Mid on and mid off contribute in ways other than only preventing runs from being scored. They are essential in exerting pressure on the batsman, causing them to pause before playing and to take chances.
A nimble and strategically placed mid on or mid off can even claim wickets by blocking balls that are struck hard.
Long On and Long Off
Long on and long off offer more defence in the outer ring, while mid on and mid off form the defensive core in the inside ring.
Their main job is to intercept shots hit over the field, so they can’t get to the boundary or even get off the ground for six runs. They are positioned close to the boundary on the leg side and off side, respectively.
Positioned on the leg side boundary, long on extends the defensive covering past mid on’s reach. They must possess a powerful throwing arm and be fast to the ball in order to stop batters from swiping extra runs.
Long off, which mirrors long on, occupies the off side boundary and adds another line of defence against shots that are lofted. To avoid boundaries or sixes, they must have excellent ball flight judgement, be able to predict the shot’s trajectory, and make quick receptions.
Together with long on and long off, mid on and mid off constitute a complete defensive unit. The captain coordinates their locations and moves to form a dynamic defensive shield that changes depending on the circumstances of the game and the batsman’s approach.
Conclusion
In the middle of all the attention paid to batting and bowling, the fielders positioned at mid on, mid off, long on, and long off are frequently overlooked. Nevertheless, the importance of their contributions cannot be overstated when it comes to deciding the winner of a match.
They are the unsung heroes of the game of cricket because their agility, anticipation, and precision constitute the backbone of a team’s fielding strategy. This places them in a position to play a key part in the game.
