Bowling Styles in Cricket |Unlocking the Secrets to Different Techniques

Published: 25 Dec 2024

Bowling is one of the most exciting and strategic parts of cricket. The bowling styles in cricket make a huge difference in how the game unfolds. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, it’s important to understand the types of bowling in cricket and how they impact the match. From fast bowlers who rely on speed to spinners who use tricky spins, each bowling style brings something unique to the game. In this article, we’ll explore the different types of bowls in cricket and what makes each style special.

Table of Content

Types of Bowling in Cricket
Fast Bowling
1. When Does the Captain Put Fast Bowlers into Action?
Medium Pace Bowling
1. When Does the Captain Put Medium-Paced Bowlers into Action?
Off Spin Bowling
1. When Does the Captain Put Off-Spin Bowlers into Action?
Leg Spin / Wrist Spin Bowling
1. When Does the Captain Put Leg-Spin Bowlers into Action?
Underarm Bowling
Final Thoughts

Types of Bowling in Cricket

In cricket, bowling is a skill that can make or break a game. There are several types of bowling that bowlers use to outsmart batters and take wickets. Each style offers different tactics and strategies, making bowling an exciting and varied part of the game.

Fast Bowling

Bowls at high speed, typically between 85 and 95 miles per hour ( 136 and 150 kilometers per hour ) aiming to overwhelm the batter with pace.

Deliveries a Fast Bowler Typically Bowls

Bouncer
A short-pitched delivery aimed at the batter’s head or chest, forcing them to react quickly.

Yorker
A full-length delivery aimed at the batter’s toes or stumps, difficult to hit or even to stop.

Out-swinger
A ball that moves away from the batter after pitching is typically bowled to right-handed batters.

In-swinger
A ball that moves in toward the batter after landing on the pitch , is often challenging for batters to play.

Slower Ball
A deliberately slower delivery, used to deceive the batter into mistiming their shot.

Short Ball
A delivery that bounces at a batter’s chest or head, often used to intimidate or create pressure.

When Does the Captain Put Fast Bowlers into Action?

The captain usually brings fast bowlers into action when the pitch is offering extra bounce or when the batter is struggling against pace. Fast bowlers are often introduced during the early stages of the game to take advantage of fresh conditions and the new ball. They can also be used later in the innings to break partnerships or create pressure with their speed and aggression.

Medium Pace Bowling

Slower than fast bowling between 60 and 80 miles per hour, focusing on accuracy and control.

Deliveries a Medium-Paced Bowler Typically Bowls

Out-swinger
A ball that moves away from the batter after pitching, making it tricky to judge and play.

In-swinger
A delivery that moves in towards the batter after it hits the pitch, often catching batters off guard.

Off Cutter
A delivery where the bowler puts spin on the ball to make it turn slightly away from the batter.

Leg Cutter
A delivery where the bowler cuts the ball, causing it to turn in the opposite direction from the off cutter.

Slower Ball
A ball bowled at a slower pace, designed to deceive the batter and make them misjudge the timing to hit the ball.

Full Length Delivery
A ball bowled right up to the batter, aiming for the stumps or to force the batter to drive.

When Does the Captain Put Medium-Paced Bowlers into Action?

The captain often calls on medium-paced bowlers to control the game, especially when the pitch isn’t offering much for the fast bowlers. These bowlers are great for maintaining pressure and building a steady rhythm. They’re often used when the fielding team needs a break or to keep things tight during the middle overs.

Off Spin Bowling

A slow delivery where the ball spins, causing it to change direction after bouncing.

Off Spin Bowling
A type of spin bowling where the ball spins towards the batter’s body (for a right-handed batter).

Deliveries an Off-Spin Bowler Bowls

Off Break
The most common delivery, where the ball spins from the off side to the leg side coming back to a right-handed batter.

Arm Ball
A straight delivery that doesn’t spin, surprising the batter by going straight on with the arm.

Doosra
A delivery that spins the opposite way to the off break, confusing the batter and making it harder to read.

Top Spinner
A ball that spins quickly forward, bouncing higher and making it tough for the batter to judge.

Back Spin
A delivery with a backspin that stays low or skids through after hitting the pitch.

When Does the Captain Put Off-Spin Bowlers into Action?

The captain often brings in an off-spin bowler when the pitch starts to show signs of turn or when the batter is more comfortable facing pace bowling. Off-spin bowlers are typically used in the middle overs to keep the run rate under control and look for breakthroughs. They’re also great for bowling in partnerships, where their consistent spin can build pressure and create chances to break the partnership.

Leg Spin / Wrist Spin Bowling

A type of spin bowling where the ball spins away from the batter’s body (for a right-handed batter).

Deliveries a Leg Spin Bowler Can Bowl

Leg Break
The most common delivery, where the ball spins from the leg side to the off side for a right-handed batter.

Googly
A deceptive delivery in the same bowling action that spins in the opposite direction to the leg break, confusing the batter.

Top Spinner
A ball that spins quickly forward, bouncing higher and often catching the batter off guard.

Slider
A ball that doesn’t spin as much, staying low and coming in faster than the batter expects.

Flipper
A delivery that is bowled quickly and with less spin, skidding through low and fast after pitching.

When Does the Captain Put Leg-Spin Bowlers into Action?

The captain usually brings in a leg-spinner when the pitch starts to offer more spin or when the team needs a breakthrough. Leg-spinners are effective when there’s a good or growing partnership between the batters, as their variation in spin and speed can unsettle the batters. They are also used in the latter stages of the game to take wickets and put pressure on the batting side.

Underarm Bowling

The ball is delivered underhand, which is not allowed in modern cricket.
Underarm bowling was banned in cricket after a controversial incident during the 1981 Australia vs. New Zealand match. Australian bowler Trevor Chappell delivered an underarm ball on the last ball of the match, deliberately rolling it along the ground to prevent a six. The act was widely criticized for being unsportsmanlike, and as a result, the International Cricket Council (ICC) banned underarm bowling in official matches.

Final Thoughts

Bowling is what makes cricket fun and exciting. Whether it’s fast bowlers or spinners, every type brings something special to the game. Bowlers work hard to trick the batsmen and take wickets.

Next time you watch cricket, keep an eye on the bowlers—they’re the ones making the game so interesting!