Slog Sweep in Cricket
How to play the slog sweep — the aerial version of the sweep shot that clears the mid-wicket boundary for six against spin bowling.
The slog sweep is a powerful aerial stroke against spin bowling, essentially a sweep shot played with the intention of clearing the mid-wicket or square-leg boundary for six. It is one of the most effective ways to score quickly against spin in white-ball cricket.
When to Slog Sweep
- Against slow or medium-pace spin on a flat pitch.
- When mid-wicket and deep square leg are unguarded.
- During powerplay or death overs when quick scoring is required.
- Against a spinner who is bowling consistently at off-stump or middle — moving the ball toward the leg side.
How to Play the Slog Sweep
- Get down on the front knee as for a standard sweep.
- Swing the bat through the ball with more power and elevation than a standard sweep.
- The bat face tilts upward at contact to give the ball elevation over the field.
- Follow through high — bat pointing toward mid-wicket or square leg.
- Target the gap between mid-on and mid-wicket.
Slog Sweep vs Standard Sweep
| Feature | Standard sweep | Slog sweep |
|---|---|---|
| Elevation | Ground level (kept down) | Lofted — over the infield |
| Power | Moderate | Maximum |
| Target | Fine leg, square leg | Boundary at mid-wicket / deep sq leg |
| Risk | Top-edge over keeper | Caught in the deep |
Frequently asked questions
Who plays the best slog sweep?
Kieron Pollard, MS Dhoni (prime), Jos Buttler, and Glenn Maxwell are among the best practitioners. Maxwell in particular can slog sweep off balls that most batsmen would drive or leave.
Can you be LBW from a slog sweep?
Yes — if the ball pitches in line and hits the pad in front of the stumps when the batsman misses the sweep, LBW is possible. If the ball pitches outside leg stump, LBW cannot be given.