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 Bowling
• Spin Bowling

Pace Bowlers

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

In addition to this is Express Fast (145-150k), Super Fast(150-160k) & Lightning Fast(160+k) . The term Fast bowler is used to describe bowlers bowling above 80kmph.

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

refers to the particular region on the pitch where the ball must be bowled to make the ball bounce at a certain level.

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 swing by most cricket viewers.

Seam

Seam Bowlers make the ball swing after pitching. Note that the ball curves in the air in this case.

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.

If an off-spinner bowls a leg-break or vice-versa it is called a 'rong 'un or Googly.
In addition to this there are fast ones where the type is forward spin, where the spinning motion is forward; 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 End

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 field also has 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.

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