20-Bowling Delivery Types in Cricket ( A Comprehensive List )

Published: 5 Jan 2025

Some think that bowling in cricket is just throwing the ball towards the batter. But it’s a skill and a clever game of strategy. Bowlers use different types of deliveries to confuse batters and take wickets. Fast bowler to spinner each type has its purpose, and every delivery keeps the game exciting.

In this post, we’ll explain the main types of cricket bowling deliveries in simple terms. Whether you’re new to cricket or just curious, you’ll enjoy learning about this fascinating part of the game! Let’s get started.

Note: All deliveries have been explained from a right-handed batter’s perspective

Table of Content

Fast Bowling
1. Speed Range of Fast Bowlers
Deliveries Bowled by Fast Bowlers
Spin Bowling Deliveries
Final Thoughts

Fast Bowling

The speed of fast bowlers can vary depending on their skill, physical fitness, and style. Here’s a general range:

Speed Range of Fast Bowlers

Medium-Fast Bowlers:

Speed: 120-135 km/h (75-85 mph)

Style: Focuses on accuracy, swing, and seam movement rather than raw pace.

Fast Bowlers:

Speed: 135-145 km/h (85-90 mph)

Style: Combines good pace with movement and bounce. Effective for creating pressure.

Express Pace Bowlers:

Speed: 145+ km/h (90+ mph)

Style: Relies on extreme speed to trouble batters. Often used for short bursts to generate breakthroughs.

Deliveries Bowled by Fast Bowlers

Fast bowling is all about speed, accuracy, and surprising the batter. Here are the main types of fast bowling deliveries, explained simply:

1. Yorker

A yorker is a ball aimed at the batter’s toes or the base of the stumps. It’s very hard to hit because it lands right at the batter’s feet, leaving little time to react.

Famous bowlers to bowl yorker

Wasim Akram
Waqar Younis
Jasprit Bumrah
Lasith Malinga
Mitchell Starc
Shoaib Akhtar
Brett Lee

2. Bouncer

This delivery is short-pitched, making the ball bounce high towards the batter’s head or chest. It’s used to intimidate batters or force a mistake.

3. Inswinger

An inswinger curves in the air towards the stumps or the batter’s body. This makes it tricky for the batter to judge and play/hit the ball and increases the chance of getting him out.

4. Outswinger

An outswinger moves away from the batter in the air. It’s great for tempting the batter to play a risky shot and possibly edge the ball and getting him caught out by the wicketkeeper or slips.

5. Slower Ball

This is a surprise delivery bowled by a fast bowler. It’s slower than usual. It tricks the batter into playing their shot too early, often leading to a simple catch in the deep.

6. Reverse Swing

Reverse swing happens when the ball is older. It swings in both directions, either in or out, making it harder for the batter to predict.

7. Full Toss

A full toss is a ball bowled without landing on the pitch. If aimed at the batter’s stumps, it can be dangerous, but if it’s higher than the waist of the batter, it’s called a no-ball.

8. Knuckleball

This is a surprise delivery where the bowler uses their knuckles to grip the ball. It has an unpredictable flight, making it difficult for the batter to time their shot.

Each of these deliveries adds variety to a fast bowler’s skill set and keeps the batter guessing.

Spin Bowling Deliveries

Spin bowling focuses on turning the ball after it lands on the pitch to deceive the batter. The spin bowlers bowls in low speed Here are the main types of spin deliveries, explained simply

Famous Off Spin Bowlers:

Saqlain Mushtaq (the inventor of doosra)
Muttiah Muralitharan

Off-Spin Deliveries

Off-Spinner: The ball spins from the batter’s off side (outside edge) towards their leg side (body).

Arm Ball: This is a straighter delivery that doesn’t spin much. It surprises the batter expecting a turn.

Doosra: Spins the opposite way of an off-spinner, from leg side to off side. It tricks the batter into playing the wrong line.

Leg-Spin Deliveries

Famous Leg Spin / Wrist Spin Bowlers:

Shane Warne
Abdul Qadir
Anil Kumble

Leg-Spinner: Spins from the leg side to the off side for a right-handed batter. It’s one of the most difficult deliveries to play.

Googly: The leg brake bowler bowls this in the same wrist action. It turns the opposite way of a leg-spinner, spinning in like an off-spin delivery. It catches batters off-guard.

Top Spinner: Spins forward and bounces higher than expected. It’s great for getting the batter caught behind or in front of the stumps.

Flipper: Bowled faster and stays low after bouncing. It’s tough for batters to adjust to this sneaky variation.

Left-Arm Spin Deliveries

Left-Arm Orthodox Spin: Spins away from a right-handed batter, similar to an off-spin delivery but bowled by a left-arm bowler. Goes from the leg side to the off side of the batter.

Chinaman (Left-Arm Unorthodox): Spins in like an off spinner but is bowled by a left-arm bowler. It’s rare and exciting to watch.

Other Special Deliveries

Carrom Ball: Flicked with the fingers to spin unpredictably in either direction. It’s hard to pick.
Slider: Often used by leg-spinners, it skids straight after pitching, tricking batters into expecting a turn.
Drifter: Doesn’t spin but curves in the air, making it challenging to judge.

Spin bowling is an art that relies on variations and skill to outsmart batters. Mastering these deliveries makes a spinner versatile and unpredictable.

Final Thoughts

Bowling is the heartbeat of cricket, adding excitement and strategy to the game. From the fiery pace of a yorker to the deceptive turn of a googly, every delivery type brings something unique. Understanding these variations isn’t just for players—it deepens your appreciation for the sport as a fan.
So, the next time you watch a match, pay attention to those subtle tricks bowlers use to outsmart batters. It might just inspire you to grab a ball and try it yourself!