Possible target of bowler set back by defeat (3,5)
I believe the answer is:
leg stump
'possible target of bowler' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this defines the answer.
'set back by defeat' is the wordplay.
'set' becomes 'gel' (both can mean to harden).
'back' is a reversal indicator.
'by' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'defeat' becomes 'stump' (I've seen this before).
'gel' backwards is 'leg'.
'leg'+'stump'='LEG STUMP'
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for leg stump that I've seen before include "particular stick" , "One wicket" , "One of uprights supporting bails" , "Get plums (anag) -- part of a wicket" .)