Playing Defensive and Attacking Shots

A complete batsman knows when to defend and when to attack. Defensive shots like the forward block, back-foot defense, and leave are used to protect the wicket and tire the bowlers. Attacking strokes — such as the cover drive, pull shot, cut shot, and lofted drive — allow the batsman to score runs quickly and apply pressure. Timing, shot selection, and placement are key to turning decent balls into scoring opportunities. Players must train in both styles to adapt to match situations and pitch behavior.