"The forward defence is the most important shot in cricket. Without a solid defence any batsman will struggle to score runs consistently.
Bowlers generally look to get batsman out by bowling at the top of off stump. The forward defence will combat any good ball that is thrown at them.
The key points to the forward defence are: Get your head in line with the ball. Get your weight right into the ball. Don’t push at the ball, let the ball hit the bat not the bat hit the ball. Angle the bat towards the ground so the ball doesn’t go in the air."