More generally: the outfield, esp. that part behind the bowler in which the long off and long on are positioned. Now somewhat rare.

= leg side, n. Usually as the object of a preposition and now usually without article, as in e.g. to hit to (the) leg. Cf. off, n. 4.

Cricket. Designating a fielding position very close to the batter facing the bowler. Chiefly in silly mid-on, silly mid-off, silly point.

that part of the field which is near the boundary, esp. behind the bowler; also, a fieldsman or his position there.

Cricket colloquial. The part of the field distant from the batter; the deep (deep, n. 3d). Cf. outfield, n. 4a. Now rare.

Cricket. The part of the playing area near the wicket; collective, the fieldsmen stationed there (as opposed to the outfield, n.).

the deep. Cricket. Elliptical for deep field (see deep, adj. compounds 3).

Cricket. With the. The rough area at either end of the pitch which has been worn by the action of the bowlers' feet.