A cut is a cross-batted shot played at a
short-pitched ball, placing it wide on the off side. The batsman makes contact
with the ball as it draws alongside or passes him and therefore requires
virtually no effort on his part as he uses the bowler's pace to divert the
ball. A square cut is a shot hit into the off side at near to 90 degrees
from the wicket (towards point). A late cut, is played as or after the
ball passes the batsman's body and is hit towards third man.
The cut shot is typically played off the back foot, but is also sometimes played off the front foot against slower bowling. The cut should be played with the face of the bat rolling over the ball to face the ground thus pushing the ball downwards. A mistimed cut with an open-faced bat (with the face of the bat facing the bowler) will generally lead to the ball rising in the air, giving a chance for the batsman to be caught.
The cut shot is typically played off the back foot, but is also sometimes played off the front foot against slower bowling. The cut should be played with the face of the bat rolling over the ball to face the ground thus pushing the ball downwards. A mistimed cut with an open-faced bat (with the face of the bat facing the bowler) will generally lead to the ball rising in the air, giving a chance for the batsman to be caught.