The action of block, v.

A flogging, a beating. In extended use (Cricket): †the action of hitting a ball very hard (obsolete). Cf. quilt, v.3

Sport. The action or an act of seeking to prevent the opposition from scoring points, goals, etc., or otherwise gaining an advantage; a strategy or…

The action of cut, v., in various senses.

In Cricket: the method of playing forward: see B. 3b.

Games and Sport. A strategy or style of play which seeks to deny the opponent or opposing team opportunities to gain or advance. Chiefly in on the…

in Civil Engineering (see quots.).

Cricket. Of the bat: Held so as not to incline to either side. Frequently in to play a straight bat and variants. Also figurative. Hence, straight…

in Cricket, a method of play in which the batter steps back towards the wicket and plays the ball from behind the popping crease; hence back-player.

Cricket. The action of batting (typically for a prolonged period) with the intention only of defending one's wicket, rather than scoring runs. Cf…

(a) the action of hitting the ball to the leg side; (b) = pad play n. at pad, n.2 compounds 2.

The art or skill of playing the off-drive.

very cautious play adopted by a batter (no longer current).

the practice, when batting, of using one's pads to protect the wicket (permissible under the Laws in certain circumstances).

The action of on-drive, v.