Cut Shot in Cricket Explained — Square Cut, Late Cut & How to Play It
The cut shot is a batting stroke played to a short-pitched delivery outside off stump, directing the ball square or behind square on the off side. Learn the square cut, late cut, and when to play them.
The cut shot is one of the most satisfying strokes in batting — a clean strike of a short-pitched delivery outside off stump, directing the ball square or backward of square on the off side. A well-timed cut shot races through the gap between point and gully or flies to the backward point boundary. It is a scoring shot that requires fast eyes, good footwork, and precise timing.
Types of cut shot
- Square cut — hit perpendicular to the pitch, through the point/square region. The most common form.
- Late cut — played later in the stroke, deflecting the ball finer (closer to third man). Requires the latest possible bat engagement.
- Upper cut — played to a very short delivery outside off stump, deliberately hitting over the slip cordon or gully — a higher-risk, high-reward shot.
When to play the cut shot
The cut shot is triggered by a delivery that pitches short and outside off stump. The batter's weight shifts back as they make room to play the stroke square. The wrists rotate at the moment of impact to direct the ball downward and through the off side. The biggest risk is hitting the ball in the air through the gully or point region — if there's a fielder waiting, the cut shot becomes a caught dismissal.
Frequently asked questions
What is a cut shot in cricket?
A cut shot is a batting stroke played to a short-pitched delivery outside off stump. The batter moves back and across, hitting the ball square or backward of square on the off side, through the point and gully region.
What is the difference between a square cut and a late cut?
A square cut is struck squarely to the off side, perpendicular to the pitch. A late cut is played with a later bat movement, deflecting the ball finer — closer to third man. The late cut demands better timing and is more delicate.