Everybody has to field in cricket, even though some players enjoy it more than others! Find out where all those mysteriously-named fielding positions actually are, and learn more about this key part of the game.

Boundary fielders are usually the bowlers – less-agile movers dispatched to deeper pastures.

The slide stop has really been in vogue the last ten years or so.

Throwing has always been a weak link in English cricket – there seem to be few players who can whizz an exocet into the keeper's gloves from 60 yards.

Few overs are bowled in a Test match without at least one man in the slips. Slip is probably the most important fielding position in the game.

Gully fieldsman, (so called because they are in the 'gully' or gap between slips and cover) will tend to vary where they stand according to the pitch and the batsman.

Boot Hill, bat pad, short leg – call it what you like, but you'll usually find the junior pro in residence there, crouching under the helmet staring at the batsman's backside.

Usually, a team's sprightliest fielder is stationed at cover point. It's a vital position as most defensive shots go in this direction, and you can expect batsmen to look for quick singles in that area.

Any man fielding 'in the ring' – i.e. the positions about 25 yards from the bat, which are there to stop the batsmen taking easy singles – is expected to attack the ball.

These are the main fielding positions in cricket .... we hopes this helps to answer some of the hundreds of emails we get on this particular subject every summer!