Fielding positions: Slips (2)

It is said that 'catches win matches', which makes the job of a slip fielder a hugely important one.

Many of the catches will be taken by the slips and so reactions have to be sharp.

Positioned on the off-side behind the wicket, first slip is alongside the wicketkeeper, with second slip, third slip etc following in the same direction.

First slip is normally about a foot or so behind the wicketkeeper.

This is because the ball flies faster off the edge when the ball goes finer.