Bat defensively (9)
I believe the answer is:
stonewall
'bat defensively' is the definition.
(cricket term)
This is the entire clue.
(Other definitions for stonewall that I've seen before include "Obstruct by refusing to answer questions" , "Use delaying tactics as in cricket" , "Delay or block (a proposal's) progress" , "Engage in delaying tactics - General Jackson?" , "Play to defend" .)