A cut is a cross-batted attempt at a short-pitched ball that is placed wide on the off side. The batsman makes touch with the ball as it pulls alongside or passes him, requiring almost no effort on his part to deflect the ball using the bowler's pace. If successful, he will be given room to work with and will often take a single to bring up the winning run. Cut shots are used by batsmen when they feel that the ball is not going to pitch outside the off stump. It is difficult to connect such balls with conventional strokes and so batsmen usually choose to play them down the ground or over long-off for four. A number of techniques can be used to execute a cut shot; some common ones include: standing back and cutting straight down into the ground, stepping out sideways to cut the ball past mid-wicket, and pulling your body back before hitting through the line strung out across long-on. In cricket, a cutter is a fast bowler who specializes in bowling cut shots. This is because it is difficult to connect with conventional strokes and so batsmen usually choose to play them down the ground or over long-off for four. Some famous cutters include Malcolm Marshall, Courtney Walsh, Jason Gillespie, and Simon Jones. During game situations, players may be required to execute cut shots in order to avoid being hit out of the attack.