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

Seventeen runs from a maiden century, he scented six of them when Nathan Gilchrist dropped short, but his pull found only the hands of Dan Mousley at deep square leg.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

Archer bowled at high pace and had Nissanka, who scored a brilliant hundred against Australia, caught at deep square leg before finding the edge of Mishara.

From BBC • Feb. 22, 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

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

"Next character, please," he said, pulling out a long stop, and placing his square leg on the wicket which gave admission to his laboratory, while he waited for the entrance of the Third Man.

From Punch, or the London Charivari, Volume 100, February 21, 1891 by Various