Crossword Genius

Coming in short of runs, preparing to play (6,2)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

tuning up

'preparing to play' is the definition.
(tuning instruments)

'coming in short of runs' is the wordplay.
'coming in' becomes 'turning up' (turn up can mean to appear or come in).
'short of' indicates named letters should be taken away.
'runs' becomes 'r' (cricket abbreviation).
'turningup' with 'r' removed is 'TUNING UP'.

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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