on-drive

A cricket batsman executes a powerful on-drive past the bowler.

Definition

1. Noun (Cricket):
   • A type of stroke played by a batsman in which the ball is hit in the direction of the on side (the leg side), typically between mid-on and midwicket. The shot is executed by driving the ball with a straight bat, aiming to send it along the ground or through the air toward the left side of the field (for a right-handed batsman).

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The batsman executed a perfect on-drive to the boundary. (He struck the ball cleanly toward the leg side for four runs.)
  • His on-drive was so powerful that it reached the ropes in an instant. (The shot was struck with great force toward the left part of the field.)

Advanced Usage

• "to play an on-drive": to perform this specific cricket stroke.

  • He is known for his elegant on-drive, which he uses to score runs against fast bowlers. (He skillfully employs this shot to accumulate points.)

• "on-drive vs. off-drive": In cricket, the on-drive is distinguished from the off-drive, which sends the ball to the off side (the right side for a right-handed batsman). Both are classic driving shots, but the on-drive requires the batsman to angle the bat toward the leg side.

Variants and Related Words

• On side (n): the half of the cricket field on the same side as the batsman's legs (the leg side). The on-drive is named after this area.

  • The bowler aimed to restrict runs on the on side. (He tried to limit scoring opportunities on the leg side.)

• Drive (n): a general term for a forceful, straight-batted shot in cricket, from which "on-drive" is a specific variation.

  • He played a classic drive through the covers. (He struck the ball with a straight bat through the off side.)

Synonyms

• Leg-side drive: an alternative phrase for the same shot, emphasizing the direction toward the leg side.
• Mid-on drive: a less common term, focusing on the fielding position near mid-on where the ball often travels.

Related Idioms

• Hit on the up: to play a drive (including an on-drive) off a ball that is rising, rather than after it has bounced low.

  • He hit the on-drive on the up, surprising the bowler. (He struck the ball early in its bounce.)

• Straight bat: a metaphor for playing correctly and honestly, derived from the technique of keeping the bat straight for a drive like the on-drive.

  • In business, he always uses a straight bat, just like his on-drive. (He acts with integrity, similar to the clean technique of the shot.)