offstump

Offstump is a term used in cricket to describe a delivery bowled outside the line of the batsman's off stump. The off stump is the stump that stands on the batsman's right-hand side when they are facing the bowler. Deliveries that are pitched too wide of the off stump are generally considered unproductive by bowlers, as they are easier for the batsman to leave alone or to hit away for runs.

Bowlers may deliberately bowl offstump deliveries in certain situations. For example, a bowler might try to tempt a batsman into playing an expansive shot outside the off stump, hoping to induce an edge that can be caught by the wicketkeeper or slips. This tactic is often employed when a batsman is looking to score quickly or is new to the crease. Conversely, a batsman might deliberately target offstump deliveries, looking to hit them through the off side for boundaries.

The effectiveness of an offstump delivery depends on several factors, including the bounce of the pitch, the movement of the ball in the air, and the batsman's technique and approach. While wide offstump deliveries are often seen as waste of a ball, a well-placed or skillfully delivered offstump ball can still be a significant challenge for the batsman.