Late Cut in Cricket
What is the late cut in cricket? How to play this delicate back-foot shot that deflects the ball between gully and third man.
The late cut is a delicate back-foot stroke played very late — allowing the ball to pass almost to the side of the body before redirecting it between gully and third man or behind backward point. Unlike the square cut which hits the ball in front of the body, the late cut meets the ball almost behind the batsman.
When to Play the Late Cut
- Short, wide delivery outside off stump that the batsman lets go past them.
- When gully is in and third man is stationed up — the gap behind gully is open.
- Against spin bowling that is short and wide — the late cut beats the spin entirely.
- When the square cut is well guarded but the third man region is exposed.
How to Play the Late Cut
- Step back and let the ball pass the body.
- Allow the ball to go past the hip — later than for the square cut.
- At the last moment, angle the bat face toward third man and push through gently.
- The bat barely swings — it is a placement, using the ball's own pace.
- Head over the ball, eyes tracking it onto the bat.
Frequently asked questions
Is the late cut risky?
Yes — it is played very late and the margin between a clean late cut and an edge to the keeper is very small. Only use it when clearly comfortable with the ball wide enough outside off stump.
What is the difference between the late cut and the square cut?
The square cut is hit early with the ball in front of the body toward point or square. The late cut is hit after the ball passes the body, toward third man or backward point.