Q.6 In the given text, the blanks are numbered (i)−(iv). Select the best match for all the
blanks.
Steve was advised to keep his head (i) before heading (ii) to bat; for, while he had a head (iii) batting, he could only do so with a cool head (iv) his shoulders.
(A) (i) down (ii) down (iii) on (iv) for
(B) (i) on (ii) down (iii) for (iv) on
(C) (i) down (ii) out (iii) for (iv) on
(D) (i) on (ii) out (iii) on (iv) for

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Cricket idioms often pop up in English vocabulary tests, especially in Indian competitive exams like SSC CGL or bank POs. This question tests your grasp of phrases like “keep your head down” and “head on his shoulders.” Let’s dive into the puzzle:

Correct Answer: Option (C)

The best fit is (C) (i) down (ii) out (iii) for (iv) on.

This completes the sentence naturally:
“Steve was advised to keep his head down before heading out to bat; for, while he had a head for batting, he could only do so with a cool head on his shoulders.”

Each blank aligns with a standard English idiom:

• Keep his head down (i: down): Stay humble or avoid drawing attention, especially under pressure—like a batsman focusing before facing the bowler.

• Heading out (ii: out): Going outside or to the field (cricket pitch).

• Head for (iii: for): Natural talent or aptitude (e.g., “head for batting” means skill in it).

• Head on his shoulders (iv: on): Sound judgment or calmness (“cool head on his shoulders” emphasizes composure).

The full sentence flows logically in a cricket context: Stay low-key and calm before stepping out, as talent alone isn’t enough without a level head.

Why Other Options Fail: Full Breakdown

Let’s examine each incorrect choice to see common pitfalls in idiom tests.

Option (A): (i) down (ii) down (iii) on (iv) for

• “Keep his head down” works.

• “Heading down to bat” implies descending (e.g., downstairs), not entering the field—awkward for cricket.

• “Head on batting” isn’t idiomatic (maybe confuses with “on his head,” but no).

• “Head for his shoulders” makes zero sense.
  Verdict: Fails on (ii), (iii), and (iv). Poor fit.

Option (B): (i) on (ii) down (iii) for (iv) on

• “Keep his head on” isn’t standard (perhaps “keep your head on” vaguely means stay calm, but rare).

• “Heading down to bat” again mismatches cricket context.

• “Head for batting” fits well.

• “Head on his shoulders” works.
  Verdict: (i) and (ii) are off; disrupts early flow.

Option (D): (i) on (ii) out (iii) on (iv) for

• “Keep his head on” doesn’t idiomatically mean stay humble.

• “Heading out to bat” is solid.

• “Head on batting” is meaningless.

• “Head for his shoulders” is nonsensical.
  Verdict: Breaks on (i), (iii), and (iv).

Only (C) uses four precise idioms, making the sentence coherent and cricket-themed.

Quick Tips for Idiom Questions in Exams

• Context clues: Cricket (“bat,” “heading to bat”) hints at sports idioms.

• Test each blank: Plug in phrases like “head for [something]” or “keep head down.”

• Common pitfalls: Confusing “head on” (collision) vs. “head on shoulders” (wisdom).

Practice more with similar quizzes to ace your English section. This “Steve batting head idiom correct option” pattern appears often in cloze tests.