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

He slog-swept Liam Dawson to deep square leg for 24 - one of six batters to wastefully pick out fielders in the deep.

From BBC • Feb. 14, 2026

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

Green holed out to deep square leg to give Carse his third wicket of the day, yet Australia's elongated batting order had all-rounder Beau Webster arriving at nine to provide yet more support to Smith.

From BBC • Jan. 6, 2026

I may hit her with the toe of the club, when she soars to square leg, and perhaps breaks a window.

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