A holding shot is a defensive stroke where the batter focuses entirely on keeping the ball away from the wickets without attempting to score. This move is used to ‘hold’ an end during a difficult period of play, such as when a bowler is performing exceptionally well, or the light is fading.
Example: The batter played a series of holding shots to tire out the fast bowler during his opening five-over spell.
Pro-Tip: While these shots don’t add runs to the scoreboard, they are vital for building a long innings. By refusing to take risks, the batter preserves their wicket and waits for the bowler to become exhausted or make a mistake with a loose delivery.
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