The Upper Cut in Cricket: How to Hit Short Balls Over Third Slip
The upper cut is an attacking stroke played against short deliveries rising above shoulder height — by cutting the ball upward, the batter sends it over third slip or point for a boundary.
The upper cut is a batting stroke played against a short-pitched delivery that rises above shoulder height outside off stump. Rather than ducking or swaying, the batter cuts the ball upward, sending it over third slip or gully for a boundary. The shot converts a hostile delivery into an attacking opportunity by using the ball's height against the bowler.
Execution
Against a short ball that rises to shoulder height or above outside off stump, the batter rocks back onto the back foot and plays a conventional cut — but instead of keeping the bat face pointed down, they tilt it upward at impact. The ball rides off the top part of the bat face, elevated well above the cordon of slips and gully, and travels over the fielders toward third man.
Why It Works
Most bowlers posting third slips and extra cover assume the short ball will be cut along the ground or avoided entirely. The upper cut exploits this assumption — the fielder positions at third slip cannot move to a ball that is already six feet above them. It is most effective when there is no deep third man or fine leg positioned behind square.
Risks and Counter-Strategies
The risk of the upper cut is a top edge that flies straight up and falls near the keeper or short fine leg. Bowlers who recognise a batter attempting the upper cut can post a fielder specifically at fine leg or adjust their line slightly to reduce the window. The stroke should only be attempted against a ball that is genuinely short and well above the batter's eye line — lower deliveries hit to the upper cut will go to the fielder at third slip rather than over them.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a cut shot and an upper cut?
A standard cut is played with the bat face angled downward, keeping the ball along the ground through point. The upper cut angles the bat face upward, launching the ball over the slips cordon toward third man.
Is the upper cut played against spin bowling?
Rarely. The upper cut is designed for fast, short-pitched deliveries that rise above shoulder height. Spin bowling does not typically generate the pace or trajectory needed to play the shot effectively.