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

While Stokes was tight, Carse leaked 26 runs from three overs and gave way to Tongue, who enticed Head into a miscue to Crawley at deep square leg.

From BBC • Dec. 20, 2025

Experienced seamer Richard Gleeson was also crunched back over his head and into the stands at square leg – the latter a 96m pulled six.

From BBC • Aug. 11, 2025

Duckett should have been taken off Mohammed Siraj by Yashasvi Jaiswal at deep square leg.

From BBC • Jun. 24, 2025

The same remark applies to an Iron, which is very good for missing the ball with, also for hitting to square leg when you meant to go straight.

From Punch, Or The London Charivari, Volume 102, January 16, 1892 by Various