The Upper Cut in Cricket Explained
The upper cut is a high-risk, high-reward T20 and Test shot — played to a short, wide, extra-bouncing delivery by slapping the ball over point or third man for four or six. Here is how it works.
The upper cut is an attacking response to a short, wide, extra-bouncy delivery — typically a bouncer aimed outside off stump. Instead of ducking or swaying away, the batter rocks back and slaps the ball over or through the region of third man or deep point, often clearing the infield for four or finding the fence at the boundary. It has become a defining shot of modern aggressive batting.
How is the upper cut played?
The shot requires: weight on the back foot as the ball rises, the bat face angled upward and outward (not flat), and a controlled swipe through the line of the ball. The batter does not pull the ball down — they ride the bounce and let the upward bat angle send it over the infield. The follow-through is high and across the body toward the off side. Getting under the ball is intentional, which is why it produces lofted shots that clear third man.
When to use it
The upper cut is most effective when the ball is truly short and bouncing well outside off stump — giving the batter time to set up and enough width to hit over third man. On slow or low pitches where the ball does not reach the required height, the shot becomes less viable and the pull is preferable. In T20 cricket, the upper cut off express pace bowling is a premium six option when the field is in during the powerplay.
Upper cut vs pull shot
The pull shot is played to a ball on or around off/middle stump that rears up — the batter plays across the line and hits toward mid-wicket or square leg. The upper cut is played to a ball wider outside off stump, sent over or past the third man region. The bat face angle is the key distinction: downward for the pull (hitting down the line), upward for the upper cut (riding the bounce).