longstop
Behind the wicketkeeper
Longstop is a fielding position in cricket, stationed behind the wicketkeeper to stop balls that get past.
The position has largely disappeared from professional play as wicketkeeping improved.
Figuratively, a longstop is a backup or safeguard—someone or something positioned to catch what others miss: The editor serves as a longstop for factual errors.
Gloved fielder behind stumps
- boundaryLine marking a limit
- fielderDefensive ball retriever
- catchSeize or snag
- slipMinor error or misstep
gully · cover · midwicket · outfield · innings · over · bowler · batsman
Stored duplicate for recovery
- fallbackAlternative if primary fails
- failsafeAutomatic protective default
- bufferProtective intermediate space
- safety netProtection against failure
contingency · insurance · protection · stopgap · reserve · precaution · redundancy · catchall
wicketkeeper
Gloved fielder behind stumps
slip · gully · cover · midwicket · outfield · innings · over · bowler · batsman · runout
backup
Stored duplicate for recovery
- fallbackAlternative if primary fails
- failsafeAutomatic protective default
- bufferProtective intermediate space
safety net · contingency · insurance · protection · stopgap · reserve · precaution · redundancy · catchall · emergency
long, stop, longer, longest, longish, lengthen, lengthening, length, lengthy