I’m 23 and a captain in my first season. I want to ask why spinners are so quick to want a fielder at deep point. In my opinion it’s just an easy single for the batter?

Great question Damien. It’s one that confuses me as well especially in Test match cricket and in two-day games in Grade cricket in Sydney.

I understand some spinners like to have a level of protection when they first start their spells but I’ve always believed a regulation point is a wicket taking position for a spinner especially until the batter gets used to the spinners bounce, pace and how far they’re spinning the ball.

A batter who looks to attack on the front or back foot can easily pop a catch towards point.

A deep point also allows the batter to manoeuvre the ball too easily to the off side and pick up singles, get off strike and frustrate the bowler.

I was once told you shouldn’t set fields for poor bowling and in my opinion needing a deep point could be considered bad bowling.

I guess it depends on what type of spin they bowl, is it to just right hand or left hand batters, pitch conditions, state of the game etc. Most spinners will start with and keep a deep square leg to prevent boundaries, a deep fielder on the off can provide similar cover. What I would consider more important is their plan to take wickets. If it fits into that concept then all well and good. If it does not match their plan then it will need adjusting. A good discussion point for you, the skipper, and the bowler to undertake next training session.

I was a left arm orthodox spin bowler and played more than 20 years of grade cricket in Sydney. I never ever had a fielder on the boundary on the offside in more than 5,000 overs (650 wickets). As Paul said you don't set fields for bad bowling. Had a lot of catches taken at a regulation backward point when batsmen would try to hit the ball on the on side but would only succeed in slicing it to backward point. A cover point on the boundary has become fashionable these days in limited over cricket but is wasted in normal two day games. It is a negative position. If batsmen keep hitting you there you are bowling too short. Pitch it up!

Agree , they are setting fields for bad bowling , basically for long hop outside off stump .
You set the field and make them bowl to your field .
I would love to be given 1 every block .
Maybe early on until finding length but that’s it .

Agree with all the responses. if your bowler wants a deep point and you dont, communicate at start of their spell that you are confident that they will bowl enough good balls and don't need one. try to change their mindset from defending to attacking. you can also make your point deeper to stop a cut going for 4 and bring your cover closer to stop the 1.