Crossword Genius

Cricketer leaving middle a hero (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

batman

'a hero' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'cricketer leaving middle' is the wordplay.
'cricketer' becomes 'batsman' (batsman is a type of cricketer).
'leaving middle' suggests removing the centre.
'batsman' with its middle removed is 'BATMAN'.

(Other definitions for batman that I've seen before include "Army servant - comic character" , "Comic book hero with Robin as a sidekick" , "He helps the officer" , "gives help to one in a mess?" , "valet" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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