How to play "Square Cut"

If bowlers give most batsmen a short and wide delivery outside off stump, chances are they'll be hit for four square of the wicket.

The square cut allows batsmen to free their arms and hit the ball with a cross bat, enabling them to get plenty of power on the shot.

But be careful, although a square cut can bag you plenty of runs, it can also lead to your downfall if you get too confident.

STEP 1

      The back foot moves back towards the stumps and across towards the line of the ball.

      The front shoulder should turn to the off side as the bat is taken back.

STEP 2

      The bat is brought down and across, making contact with the ball at full arm extension.

      Keep the head still and roll the wrists forwards to keep the ball down.

STEP 3

      Follow through with the shot, leaving the weight on the back foot and the bat finishing over the front shoulder and behind the head.