9. Bowling

Types of bowling

In this article it is assumed that the batsman and bowler are both right handed. There are 2 varieties of bowling:

Pace Bowlers

A pace bowler is classified according to the speed he bowls. It ranges from in miles per hr:

Classification of Pace Bowlers
TYPE MPH KM/H
Fast 90+ 144.8+
Fast-Medium 80-89 128.74+
Medium-Fast 70-79 112.65+
Medium 60-69 96.56+
Medium-Slow 50-59 80.46+
Slow-Medium 40-49 64.37+
Slow 39 & below 62.7 & below

In addition to these terms are: Express Fast (145-150k), Super Fast (150-160k) & Lightning Fast (160+k). The term "Fast bowler" is used to describe bowlers bowling above 80 km/h. The term Orange is used for a very fast ball bowled.

Bowling Terms

To Pitch (v):
To pitch means to bowl the ball at a particular spot on the ground. The spot where the ball lands influences the way the batsman hits the ball and the placement of his shot.
To Pitch in baseball = To Bowl in cricket
Length:
Length refers to the particular region on the pitch where the ball must be bowled to make the ball bounce at a certain level.
Line:
Line is the horizontal deviation on the pitch where the ball is bowled.

If it bowled straight (wicket-to-wicket) it is difficult to hit. Balls bowled to the leg stump are a poor line. Balls bowled on the off-stump line and just outside it are the hardest to hit.

There are two variations of pace bowling: Seam Bowling and Swing Bowling. In both cases the ball curves in the air. However the term "seam" bowling is also erroneously referred to as swing by most cricket fans.

Seam

Seam Bowlers make the ball swing after pitching. Note that the ball curves in the air in this case. [The is the way to hold the ball to achieve an outswing and inswing]

If a bowler can make the ball swing in air after it bounces on the pitch either towards or away from the batsman he is called a seam bowler. If the ball moves into the batsman it is an IN-SWING, and if it moves away, it is an OUT-SWING. To make the ball curve, the bowler hold the ball as demonstrated.

Swing

If a bowler can make the ball swing in air before it bounces on the pitch either towards or away from the batsman he is called a swing bowler. If the ball moves into the batsman it is an IN-DIPPER, and if it moves away, it is an OUT-DIPPER. The dippers are pitched close to the batsman's toes. A ball which swings opposite to which it is intended, is called a REVERSE swing.

Cutters

Cutters are balls bowled by pace bowlers that changes its direction at an angle after pitching (bouncing on the pitch). Cutters are of two types: The Off-cutter (into the batsman) and Leg-cutters (outwards). To execute a cutter, the bowler spins the ball while throwing it.

Spinners

A spinner is a bowler who can spin the ball after pitching. The act of spinning is called the BREAK. There are two types of spinning actions. The Wrist-spin and the Finger Spin. Spinners produce more turn than the cutters. Finger spinners use their fingers to turn the ball, similarly wrist spinners use their wrist to turn the ball.

Types of Spin
WRIST SPIN FINGER SPIN
For Right handed bowlers, this is called leg-spin. For Right Handed bowlers this is called off-spin.
On the TV screen, the ball appears to move from right to left after pitching. On the TV screen, the ball appears to move from left to right after pitching.
   
For left handed bowlers, this is called chinaman. For Left handed bowlers, this is called orthodox.
On the TV screen the ball moves similar to the off-spin On TV the ball moves similarly to the leg-spin.

If an off-spinner bowls a leg-break or vice-versa it is called a 'rong 'un or Googly.
In addition to this there is forward spin, where the spinning motion is forward hence picks up speed; and back spin (sudden slowdown as the spinning motion is backward) and a disguised ball where the ball doesn't spin at all (arm ball).

A leg-spinner who bowls a ball which is a forward spin is called a Flipper. An off-spinner bowling the leg-spin ball is the 'doosra'.

Bowling Ends

Note: After each over, the bowlers change ends. That is, if the bowler is bowling from north to south, in the next over, the bowling will be from south to north. Correspondingly the fielding positions also have to be changed. However, the batsmen do not swap their ends. So if the batsman was at the striker's end after the last ball of the over, he now becomes the non striker in the new over.