Finding Gaps in the Field
Also known as: finding the gaps, hitting the gaps, manipulating the field, working the ball into gaps, beating the field, reading the field setting
To find gaps, look at the field before every ball and pick the space you will aim for. Then use the angle of the bat face and soft or firm hands to place the ball there. Hit along the ground into the space between fielders and run hard for the single.
Before each ball, scan the field. Count the fielders on each side and spot the biggest spaces. Note who is in the circle and who is back. Under Law 28.4, no more than two fielders other than the keeper may be behind the popping crease on the leg side at delivery. That limit often leaves space fine on the leg side.
Placement comes from the bat face and the hands. Opening the face guides the ball finer on the off side. Closing it works the ball to leg. Soft hands drop the ball into a nearby gap for a quick single. Firm hands drive it through a wider gap for two or four. Some batters change their crease position to change the angles. Standing out of the crease or moving across can open up different areas.
Fielding captains respond by moving fielders into your favourite areas. Good batters then move the ball elsewhere. Having two or three scoring areas against each bowler keeps captains guessing. In limited-overs cricket, the fielding restrictions show where the spaces will be. Every few balls, ask yourself where the field is giving you runs.
Tips by skill level
Before each ball in practice, name the gap you will aim for out loud. Then try to hit it along the ground.
Hit two balls into one area and wait for the captain to move a fielder. Then attack the gap that opens.
Example
The captain has moved point squarer. The batter notices the gap between point and cover. He opens the face slightly on the next ball and runs it through the space for two.
Why it matters
Runs come from gaps, not from fielders. A batter who places the ball well keeps the scoreboard moving without taking big risks.
Common mistakes
- Hitting the ball hard straight to fielders instead of into spaces
- Not looking at the field before the ball
- Scoring in only one area and letting the captain block it
- Missing the single after placing the ball well
Frequently asked questions
How do I find gaps in the field in cricket?
Look at the field before every ball and pick a space to aim for. Use the angle of the bat face to place the ball there. Hit along the ground and run hard.
Why do I keep hitting the ball straight to fielders?
Usually you are hitting hard without choosing a gap first. Decide where you are aiming before the ball is bowled. Adjust the bat face and use softer hands to place the ball. Hitting it harder often just finds the fielder more quickly.
What does manipulating the field mean in cricket?
It means placing the ball into spaces and moving the strike so the fielding captain cannot settle on a field. When a fielder moves to stop one shot, the batter attacks the gap that opens.
Sources
Related terms
- Batting IntentBatting intent means looking to score off every ball you can, instead of waiting for the bowler to make a mistake. It shows in your footwork, your trigger and your readiness to run. Intent is not the same as slogging. A clear leave or a firm defensive shot can still show intent.
- GlideThe glide is a delicate deflection played to a full or good-length ball outside off stump. This uses an open bat face to steer the ball fine on the off side between slip and third man.
- Soft Hands in BattingSoft hands means relaxing your grip at contact. The bat gives a little and the ball drops dead near your feet. It helps edges fall short of the slips and stops bat-pad catches against spin. Hard hands, pushing firmly at the ball, send edges flying.
- Inside-Out ShotAn inside-out shot hits a ball on the stumps or leg side through the off side, usually over or through extra cover. Move inside the line by stepping towards the leg side, then swing out towards the off side with an open face. It is a common way to score against spin turning into you.
- Run Chase and Required Run RateIn a run chase, the required run rate is the runs you still need divided by the overs left. To pace a chase, break it into small targets, keep wickets in hand and avoid long runs of dot balls. Plan to attack harder when you have batters to come and fewer overs left.
- Calling Between the WicketsMany coaches teach that the striker calls for balls hit in front of the wicket and the non-striker calls for balls behind square, where the striker cannot see. Use three clear words: "yes", "no" and "wait". It is a coaching convention, not a Law. Agree it with your partner before you bat.
Cricket analysis is in development
Motion Lab does not analyze this sport yet. Keep exploring the terms in this section.