Crossword Genius

Drop off cricketer in AE (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

abate

'drop off' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'cricketer in ae' is the wordplay.
'cricketer' becomes 'bat' (batsman).
'in' indicates putting letters inside.
'bat' placed within 'ae' is 'ABATE'.

(Other definitions for abate that I've seen before include "Lessen - cease" , "Reduce" , "Put an end to" , "Become less intense" , "retreat" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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