streaky

Adjective

streaky (comparative streakier, superlative streakiest)

1. Having streaks.
2. Used to describe a shot where the ball deflects off the edge of the bat, but is not caught by the slips or wicket-keeper and instead results in runs for the batsman.
   • Although the two added thirteen important runs, including four byes let through by Mongia and a streaky outside edge cum late-cut by Pollock for four, one didn't need to be blessed with gifts of insight to realise that Pollock's days at the crease were numbered.2001, Luke Alfred, Lifting the Covers: Inside South African Cricket
   • ...rather than hitting it with the middle of the bat, I jagged it off the inside edge and French-cut it over the top of the stumps for another four. That was the only streaky shot I can remember.2005, Michael Slater, Slats: The Michael Slater Story
3. Unpredictable, variable; having periods of good and bad (e.g. weather).
   • […] to do his duty in the face of uncommonly streaky weather like a man.1870, Baily's Magazine of Sports and Pastimes, volume 17, page 34
   • [Nebraska] has a reputation for streaky weather, long stretches of drouth and long seasons of rain.1901, National Stockman and Farmer, volume 25, page 16
4. (Canada, US, usually) Having alternating periods of good and bad performances; inconsistent.
   • Jones has always been a streaky hitter
5. (archaic, slang) Having periods of irritation or bad temper.
6. Not well-executed, due to luck more than skill.
   • Two goals from Alexis Sánchez, the second a little streakier than the first, were enough to send Arsenal into a second successive FA Cup final, once again following extra time after being held over 90 minutes by a Championship side.2015 April 18, Paul Wilson, The Guardian