LEG GLANCE Meaning and
Definition
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Leg glance is a term commonly used in the sport of cricket to describe a particular type of shot played by a batsman. It refers to a stroke where the batsman deliberately redirects the ball towards the leg side of the field while keeping his bat face open. The leg glance is generally played to a fast delivery that is pitched on or outside the leg stump, and involves the batsman leaning forward and slightly across towards the off side while flicking the ball off his pads.
The objective of the leg glance is to score runs by using the pace of the ball and placing it in a vacant area of the leg side, away from the fielders. It requires exceptional timing, coordination, and wrist skill from the batsman, as he needs to swiftly adjust the direction of the ball after it has arrived. A successful leg glance results in the ball traversing fine on the leg side, typically past the square leg or fine leg fielders.
The leg glance is considered a graceful and effective shot that showcases the batsman's control and finesse. It is often employed by batsmen to counteract the aggression of fast bowlers and frustrate their line of attack. While risky due to the possibility of mistiming or being trapped leg before wicket (LBW), a perfectly executed leg glance can yield boundaries and keep the scoreboard ticking.
Etymology of LEG GLANCE
The term "leg glance" refers to a particular stroke played in the sport of cricket, where the batsman strikes the ball with a slight touch of their bat against their front leg, redirecting its path towards the leg side (behind the batsman). The etymology of "leg glance" can be understood by examining the origins of its individual components:
1. Leg: In cricket, "leg" refers to the side of the batsman's body opposite to their off (or right) side, with respect to the position of the stumps. It is a term used to describe the area on the left side of a right-handed batsman or the right side of a left-handed batsman.
2. Glance: The term "glance" generally means to strike or hit something lightly and quickly. It can also have the connotation of deflecting or redirecting a projectile.
