While the on-drive, cover drive and straight drive are often likened to works of art in cricket, the square-cut shot stands out for its brute force and demoralizing effect on the opposition.
Here’s a look at the top 10 Cricketers known for their mastery of the square-cut shot:
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10. Tillakaratne Dilshan
Tillakaratne Dilshan, renowned for his ‘Dilscoop,’ was also a fierce cutter of the ball, adept at exploiting deliveries not necessarily very short.
9. Adam Gilchrist
Adam Gilchrist’s brilliant use of the square-cut shot enhanced his aggressive strokeplay as an opener in limited overs and later as a number 7 in Tests. His quick hands and backfoot play often resulted in boundaries or stinging fielders’ hands.
8. Sanath Jayasuriya
Sanath Jayasuriya’s aggressive batting style included a vicious square cut that was particularly effective against short and wide deliveries. His quick hands and powerful forearms made it a nightmare for bowlers on subcontinent grounds.
7. Chris Gayle
Chris Gayle, known for his brutal hitting, mastered the square-cut shot against both pace and spin. His ability to dispatch short deliveries outside off stump to the boundary or beyond made him a feared opponent worldwide.
6. Brian Lara
Brian Lara‘s vast repertoire of strokes included a precise square cut, often used to punish bowlers offering width. Despite being more renowned for his cover drives, Lara’s square cut was a testament to his batting versatility.
5. Alastair Cook
Alastair Cook’s meticulous technique as an opening batter in Test cricket was complemented by his proficiency in executing the square cut. He capitalized on short and wide deliveries with impeccable timing and placement.
4. Virender Sehwag
Virender Sehwag’s aggressive batting style was highlighted by his ability to dominate with the square cut, especially against bouncers and short-pitched deliveries. His high-elbow technique and fearless approach made him a standout in both Tests and ODIs.
3. Sachin Tendulkar
Sachin Tendulkar, known for his exquisite on-drive, also excelled in the square-cut shot. From fast bowlers to spinners, Tendulkar’s precise execution of the cut made him a formidable batsman across all conditions.
2. Geoffrey Boycott
Geoffrey Boycott, renowned for his technical prowess, utilized the square cut as a potent attacking weapon despite his ‘defense-first’ approach. His ability to play the shot with minimal risk and maximum efficiency set him apart.
1. Gordon Greenidge
Gordon Greenidge‘s powerful square-cut was legendary, often compared to Viv Richards’ striking ability. His textbook technique and strong backfoot play allowed him to dominate bowlers with the shot, making him unparalleled in the history of the game.
These cricketers have demonstrated unparalleled skill and control in executing the square-cut shot, making it a hallmark of their batting skills.
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