Short leg is a dangerous fielding position located very close to the batter on the leg side, often just a few feet away from the crease. The fielder wears a helmet and extra padding because they are in the ‘firing line’ for powerful pull shots and accidental deflections.
Example: The spinner celebrated when the batter’s defensive shot popped up gently and was caught by the brave fielder at short leg.
Pro-Tip: This position is used to put immense psychological pressure on the batter and to catch ‘inside edges’ off the bat. It requires a fielder with incredibly fast reflexes and a complete lack of fear when facing a hard ball at close range.
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