The spelling of the cricket term "mid on" can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as /mɪd ɒn/. The first syllable, "mid," is pronounced with a short "i" sound and a voiced "d" sound. The second syllable, "on," is pronounced with a short "o" sound and a voiced "n" sound. Together, the two syllables form a compound word used to describe the fielding position between mid-wicket and long-on in the sport of cricket.
Mid on is a cricket fielding position strategically placed on the on-side, near the batsman. It is located approximately halfway between the straight boundary and the popping crease, directly in front of the batsman's wicket. This position is often occupied by a fielder whose main responsibility is to field the ball hit by the batsman towards the on-side.
The term "mid on" originates from the game of cricket. The prefix "mid" refers to the mid-region or middle area, while "on" is the side of the field where the ball is hit. Consequently, "mid on" signifies the player who stands on the middle area of the on-side, close to the popping crease.
The primary role of the fielder in the mid on position is to prevent runs by fielding the ball and quickly returning it to the wicketkeeper or the bowler to restrict the batsman from scoring. Due to its central location on the on-side, a fielder at mid on also serves as a backup fielder for various shots played by the batsman, including straight drives, pulls, and leg-glances.
Mid on is a key positioning option for fielding captains who seek to put pressure on the batsman by ensuring good field coverage on the on-side. Additionally, mid on often acts as a communicative hub between both the mid-wicket fielder and the bowler, as it helps in orchestrating effective fielding strategies and communication.
The term "mid on" originates from the game of cricket. It is a fielding position that is positioned between mid-off and mid-wicket on the leg side of the field. The word "mid" in this context refers to being in the middle of two other fielding positions.
As for the etymology of the term, it is a combination of the word "mid" meaning middle, and "on", which suggests the direction in which the fielder is positioned. It is believed to have originated in the early days of cricket as a way to describe the fielding position. The exact origins and time of its first usage are unclear, but it has been commonly used in cricket terminology for many decades.