Crossword Genius

Tempt cricketer to take single (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

bait

'tempt' is the definition.
(baiting is a kind of tempting)

'cricketer to take single' is the wordplay.
'cricketer' becomes 'bat' (I've seen this before).
'to take' is an insertion indicator.
'single' becomes 'i' (one**).
'bat' placed around 'i' is 'BAIT'.

(Other definitions for bait that I've seen before include "Angler's lure for fish" , "Lure; tease" , "Worms, for example" , "What lures" , "Food on a hook to attract fish" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app