Cut Shot in Cricket
How to play the cut shot — the back-foot stroke that sends a short, wide delivery square on the off side. Technique, timing, and variations.
The cut shot is an attacking back-foot stroke played against a short, wide delivery outside off stump. The bat swings horizontally and the ball is directed square or behind square on the off side — through point or between gully and third man. It is one of the most consistent boundary-scoring shots in limited-overs cricket.
When to Cut
- Short delivery outside off stump — the ball must be wide enough to free the arms.
- Ball rising between knee and shoulder height.
- When point or third man is not in position.
- Against spinners bowling short and wide — the cut is a primary weapon against off-spin drift.
How to Play the Cut
- Step back and across — back foot moves toward the off stump.
- Create space and lean the upper body over the ball.
- Bat swings horizontally through the ball from off to leg.
- Contact made with the ball level with or behind the body.
- Keep the ball down — roll the top hand through.
- Eyes watch the ball onto the bat.
Square Cut vs Late Cut
| Variation | Direction | Ball line |
|---|---|---|
| Square cut | Through point or square | Wide outside off stump |
| Late cut | Third man — behind square | Ball that passes the body |
| Upper cut | Over third man/gully, in the air | Short, rising, very wide |
Frequently asked questions
Can you cut a spinner?
Yes — the cut is a primary weapon against off-spin bowling that is short and wide. Against leg-spin, the equivalent is often a slog or a sweep rather than a cut.
What is the upper cut?
The upper cut is a deliberate aerial cut over gully or third man, usually played against a fast bouncer outside off stump. It is a high-risk, high-reward stroke used in T20 cricket.