How to play the cut shot

A well-timed cut shot can give off one of the most satisfying noises in cricket with many fans and players describing a distinctive ‘ping’. It is one of those shots that can frustrate a bowler who may have strayed with their line only very slightly but very quickly can see the batter hit a boundary.

If a bowler is producing a very accurate spell then it is likely that the cut, which is played to short and wide balls, will not be a viable shot. However, particularly when a bowler is starting to tire, the cut shot is an excellent one to call upon! It is also a shot that we have seen more often as players have increased their attacking options over recent years.

An excellent example of this was when Joe Root became England’s outright leading Test century-maker at Lord’s in August 2024 and added a second-innings century to his 143 in the first. The Sri Lanka bowlers consistently bowled short and straight, with the leg-side packed, as they looked to frustrate Root in the 90s. But on 98, Root moved to the leg, exposing his stumps in the process, and crucially gave himself room to execute a cut down the slope and to the boundary at the home of cricket.

The cut shot is played to a delivery on or short of a length and on a line where the batter has enough room to extend their arms after cutting through the ball.

The timing of the shot will depend on exactly where the ball goes. Hit a fraction earlier and the ball will go through square or slightly later and the ball will be in the backward point or gully area.

Some batters cut down on the shot to reduce the chances of being caught but others, dependent on the field, will use an ‘uppercut’ to send the ball over the in-field and potentially for a six.

One of the greatest risks of the shot is the ball seaming or spinning back at the batter, cramping them for room, and either hitting the ball in the air or edging or gloving behind.

The Technique for playing the cut shot:

In order to play this shot, the batter needs to make an early call on both the line and length of the delivery. To close to you can mean you get tucked up and to wide could mean you are reaching and losing control.

If the length is right but the line is too wide then the batter could lose control of the shot but equally, if the ball is too straight then a defensive stroke could be preferable.

If the line is right but the length is fuller then many players will instead elect to drive the ball off the front foot.

After determining the ball is ripe for cutting, the batter will rock back in their crease and potentially move across to cover a wider line - as you can see in the below image. Our pro cricketer has picked up the line and length early, has moved his backfoot to just outside off stump and is ready to meet the ball.

The batter will then play a horizontal-bat stroke, most ensuring they are on top of the bounce and hitting the ball downwards.

As you can see in the image below, the batter has moved his weight into the shot, while still keeping his head nice and balanced and has tried to hit the ball below is eye line. Whatever happens in the cut shot you are playing the ball away from your body so not hitting the ball in the hitting zone below your eyes.

In the below image you can see the next stage of movement. The batter has hit the ball, and is now in the follow through with his head facing where the ball has gone so he can make a quick decision of it there is a run or not.

Conclusion

The best players in the world make the cut shot look easy and that is usually down to them picking the length of the ball and getting in position early. Once you have that foundation for the stroke, you can then decide when to time the stroke to maximise the chance of finding the gap in the field.

So, head down to the nets and ask a bowler of any pace to deliver some balls on or back of a length and with a generous amount of width. Enjoy yourself as you practice hitting the ball square of the wicket and maybe even hearing that famous ‘ping’!

The pro player we have used for the videos and images uses a Trogon Cricket Grade 1+ English willow bat with our black and white sticker range.

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How to play the cut shot

The Technique for playing the cut shot:

Conclusion

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