The Lofted Drive in Cricket: Clearing the Infield
What the lofted drive is, how to hit the ball over the infield in limited-overs cricket, and the difference between a lofted drive and a slog.
The lofted drive is a front-foot attacking stroke that sends the ball over the infield — typically over mid-off or extra cover — for four or six. It is distinct from a slog: a lofted drive maintains the shape and technique of a conventional drive but with a slight upward angle at contact, achieving elevation rather than driving along the ground.
Why Loft?
In T20 and ODI cricket, the five-fielder-inside-the-circle powerplay restriction creates gaps over the infield. Bowlers often post a long-off and long-on but leave cover and mid-off regions exposed in the deep. The lofted drive over mid-off or extra cover — carrying into the unoccupied outfield — is a high-percentage boundary shot in these situations.
Technique
The lofted drive uses the same front-foot drive mechanics as a conventional straight drive or cover drive, but with one key adjustment: the bat meets the ball slightly under centre rather than through the centre. This upward angle at contact gives the ball elevation. The follow-through is slightly higher than a ground drive. The head stays still and the weight transfers fully onto the front foot.
Lofted Drive vs Slog
The slog sacrifices technique for power — the batter lunges or swings hard without maintaining the controlled front-foot position. The lofted drive maintains full technique but generates slightly upward angle. The slog is higher risk (any mistiming means edging or missing); the lofted drive has better control. Elite batters can loft drives accurately to specific gaps; slogs rely on power to clear fielders.
Frequently asked questions
What is the lofted drive in cricket?
A lofted drive is a front-foot attacking stroke that deliberately lifts the ball over the infield — typically over mid-off, extra cover, or long off — for four or six. Unlike a slog, it maintains drive technique but adds elevation by contacting the ball slightly under centre.
How is a lofted drive different from a slog?
A lofted drive maintains controlled front-foot drive technique with a slight upward angle at contact, producing a controlled aerial shot to a specific area. A slog sacrifices technique for maximum power, often with reduced control over direction and elevation. Lofted drives are more accurate; slogs are higher risk.
When is the lofted drive most effective?
The lofted drive is most effective during powerplay overs in T20 and ODI cricket when five fielders must be inside the 30-yard circle. Hitting over mid-off or extra cover into the unoccupied outfield carries high reward (four or six) against any pace or medium-pace bowler trying to bowl too full.