square leg

American  

Or square-leg

noun

Cricket.

1. the position of a fielder on the left of the batsman and almost on the opposite side of the wicket.

2. the fielder occupying this position.

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square leg British  

noun

1. a fielding position on the on side approximately at right angles to the batsman

2. a person who fields in this position

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Etymology

Origin of square leg

First recorded in 1850–55

Example Sentences

Spinner Liam Dawson ended it in the 13th over when Bruce was caught for 24, Curran providing the safe hands at deep square leg.

From Barron's • Feb. 14, 2026

Seifert hammered back-to-back sixes off Mohammad Nabi - bringing up his half-century in the process - only to fall a couple of deliveries later to the experienced spinner when he holed out to square leg.

From BBC • Feb. 8, 2026

He eventually fell sweeping Jacks into the hands of deep square leg.

From BBC • Dec. 17, 2025

Smith tried to drag a pull around the corner only for Jacks, at backward square leg, to fling himself to his right and cling on with his right hand.

From BBC • Dec. 5, 2025

The batsman observed somewhat weakly, "Here, I say!" and backed towards square leg.

From The Politeness of Princes and Other School Stories by Wodehouse, P. G. (Pelham Grenville)