In cricket, what is an "outside edge"?
VerifiedAnswer: It's when the ball strikes the outer edge of the bat, often deviating to the wicketkeeper or slips for a catch chance.
Explanation:
An outside edge is one of the most dramatic moments in cricket that can instantly change the course of a match. When a batsman attempts to play a shot, the ball sometimes catches the outer edge of the bat instead of making clean contact with the bat's face. This typically happens when the batsman misjudges the line of the ball or when the ball moves away from the batsman after pitching.
The outside edge occurs when the ball travels from the off-side (the side opposite to where the batsman stands) and clips the edge of the bat that faces away from the batsman's body. This contact usually produces a faint sound, often called a "nick" or "snick" by cricket commentators and players. The ball then deviates from its original path, typically flying towards the wicketkeeper or the slip fielders positioned behind the batsman.
Bowlers often try to induce outside edges by bowling in the corridor of uncertainty - an area just outside the off-stump that forces batsmen to make difficult decisions about whether to play or leave the ball. Fast bowlers and swing bowlers are particularly effective at creating outside edges because they can make the ball move away from the batsman at the last moment.
When an outside edge occurs, it creates an excellent catching opportunity for the fielding team. The wicketkeeper is usually the primary target for these edges, but slip fielders (positioned at first slip, second slip, etc.) are strategically placed to catch balls that travel at different heights and angles. A successful catch from an outside edge results in the batsman being dismissed, making it a crucial aspect of cricket strategy for both batting and bowling teams.
