Square

Depending on the situation, the word “square” in cricket can signify many things.  It is frequently used by athletes, analysts, and even fans to characterize:

 

• – a fielder’s position on the ground,
• – the central part of the pitch where play takes place,
• – or an imaginary line that crosses the field.

 

To minimize misunderstanding, let’s look at each definition of “square” in cricket and how it’s applied in real-world matches.

Square in Cricket as a Fielding Position

Fielding is one of the most crucial elements in cricket. Fielders are positioned strategically across the ground to stop the ball and stop runs as the bowler delivers the ball and the batsman attempts to score runs.

The term square is often combined with adjectives like fine, silly, short, deep, long to show the exact location of a player.

For example:

• Square leg – fielder positioned at right angles to the batsman on the leg side.
• Fine leg – fielder closer to the wicket-keeper on the leg side.

The square position is the position that is located closer to the imaginary line passing through the axis of the popping crease at the striker’s end. The more a player moves away from this line towards Wicket-keeper, the stronger his position belongs to the fine sector.

Square in Cricket as Part of the Pitch

Typically, cricket grounds are oval, measuring between 137 and 150 meters in circumference. The pitch, which is 22 yards long, is located in the middle. However, the Square in cricket, the rectangular area surrounding the pitch, is equally significant.

Players are not permitted to practice in the plaza during a game; this is where the pitches are set up. This regulation safeguards the field of play, particularly during multi-day Test matches.

So when someone says “the ball landed on the square”, they mean the central prepared area of the field.

Square in Cricket as a Line on the Field

In another context, square in cricket refers to an imaginary line that runs from the batting crease to the boundary, parallel to the pitch.

Fielding rules are connected with this line. For example, the bowling side cannot place more than two fielders behind square on the leg side. This ensures fair play and prevents negative bowling tactics.

Square Cut: A Classic Cricket Shot

Don’t confuse the term square in cricket with the batting shot square cut.

A cut shot is played when the bowler delivers a short-pitched ball. The batsman uses the pace of the ball and hits it with a horizontal bat towards the off side.

• Square cut: played at almost 90° to the wicket, directing the ball square on the off side.
• Late cut: guided even finer towards third man.
• Mistimed cut: an unsuccessful version where the timing goes wrong.
• The square cut is one of the most elegant yet powerful strokes in cricket and is a favorite of attacking batsmen.

If you’re new to cricket, learning terms like Square in cricket helps you understand the strategy behind every delivery, every run, and every field setting. Our team regularly publishes easy-to-read guides on cricket basics, match analysis, and even betting insights (for example, our article on the Jeetwin promo code for Indian players).