For the uninitiated, the language of cricket can be as baffling as the game itself. From being out for a duck to fielding in the gully, the sport is packed with its own unique jargon. This is especially true when trying to visualise the various fielding positions announced on a radio commentary.
Decoding the Cricket Field
To help fans and newcomers alike, an interactive quiz has been launched to test knowledge of cricket's fielding positions. The challenge involves placing 15 fielders correctly on an oval field. The bowler, marked with a red hat, stands at the bottom of the beige rectangle representing the pitch, while the batter, a right-handed player wearing a blue hat, prepares to face the delivery.
The playing area is clearly marked to aid participants. A dotted white line separates the infield from the outfield, and a solid black line indicates the boundary. This visual guide helps contextualise the often-confusing terms like 'silly', 'short', and 'square' used to describe where players are stationed.
How the Cricket Positions Quiz Works
Participants are presented with a series of questions, each asking them to place a fielder in the correct area. You can reposition the fielder until you are confident in your choice before clicking 'next' to proceed. You earn one point for every position placed correctly, with a total of 15 points up for grabs.
This is not the first time this challenge has been set; it is an updated version of a quiz that originally ran in 2023. Upon completion, the quiz reveals how your score compares to others who have taken part, offering a fun and competitive edge to the learning experience.
More Than Just a Game
This engaging tool is perfectly timed for cricket enthusiasts looking forward to future contests, such as The Ashes 2025-26 featuring the Australia cricket team and the England cricket team. Understanding the strategic placement of fielders adds a deeper layer of appreciation for the sport's intricacies, whether you're a seasoned follower or just starting your cricket journey.
