What is mid on in cricket

What is mid on in cricket
Cricket, one of the most popular sports around the globe, has a language of its own with unique terminologies which often baffle onlookers. One such term that often comes up during matches is ‘mid-on’ and here we’re going to delve into what exactly this cricket jargon means.

Understanding Cricket Fielding Positions

To grasp the concept of mid-on, it’s essential to understand basic fielding positions in cricket first. Cricket follows stringent rules when it comes to field placements. The 360-degree field is divided into two equal halves: off-side and leg-side or on-side. If you imagine facing the bowler from the batsman’s perspective, the right half would be the off-side and left half as on side for a right-handed batsmen–it’s reversed for a left-handed player.

The positions vary greatly, but some main ones include slip, gully, point, cover, extra cover, mid-off (on the off-side); and fine-leg, square-leg, mid-wicket and mid-on (on the leg side).

What Does Mid-On Mean?

Now coming back to ‘Mid-On’, this is a particular position on a cricket field on the on-side/leg side. It is more towards the bowler from square compared to other fielding positions. As hinted by its name itself ‘mid’ signifying middle or halfway indicates that it’s located midway between wickets (‘on’).

More specifically, if visualized from an overhead view–a so-called “bird’s eye” perspective—the player stationed in ‘mid-on’ would stand behind the bowler’s line near where long stops are generally placed. However, unlike long-stops who are closer to boundary ropes ready for potential catches, these players will usually stay closer infield anticipating quick singles or saving boundaries in that area.

Just ahead of them on boundary sides would be the ‘long-on’. Their primary job is to ensure that powerful or high shots from batsman cannot result in boundaries.

Role of Mid-On Fielder

The mid-on fielder plays quite a crucial role in a cricketing game. This role comprises stopping potential runs, taking catches, and even breaking partnerships. They are usually one of the fittest players on the team as this position demands quick reflexes and nimble footwork.

A slight lapse in concentration can let the ball sear towards boundary ropes or races between them for scoring runs. Especially during powerplay overs where only limited players stay outside inner ring (30-yard circle), their responsibility amplifies further.

Moreover, these fielders often have to rush forward for low-catches by quickly covering distance within blink of an eye whenever batsman opts for chip-shots over bowlers head in lower trajectory than lofted shots.

Tactics Involved with Mid-On

Bowlers and captains strategically use this position. Usually, when a fast bowler bowls, the presence of a mid-on fielder might prevent batsmen from playing straight drives—fearing they may get caught out.

During spin-bowling too, especially against leg-spinners or those turning it into right-handers—the players might aim to hit over mid-on region trying to counteract spins–making it a hotspot for catch-outs hence maintaining mid-ons becomes vital necessity.

Thusly marshaling troops across fields incorporating positions like ‘Mid-Ons’ effectively depending on match scenario interprets into great captaincy–testament to this lies in instrumental roles played by such strategizing leading teams closer towards winning chases establishing importance related to understanding nuances associated with cricket terminologies like ‘Mid-On’.