Cross Seam Bowling | How and When to Use This Smart Tactic

Published: 28 Jan 2025

Cross seam bowling is a simple but effective technique used by fast bowlers. Instead of holding the ball with the seam upright, the bowler grips it across the seam. This makes the ball behave unpredictably after pitching. Many top bowlers use this method to get extra bounce and movement, especially on dry or slow pitches.

Table of Content

How Cross Seam Bowling Works
Benefits of Cross Seam Bowling
How to Bowl Cross Seam Deliveries
When to Use Cross Seam Bowling
Famous Bowlers Who Use Cross Seam Effectively
Final Thoughts

How Cross Seam Bowling Works

When a bowler delivers a cross-seam ball, the seam doesn’t stay upright in the air. Instead, it rotates randomly. This causes the ball to react differently based on the pitch surface. On hard surfaces, it can skid or bounce higher. On dry or cracked pitches, it can grip and change direction suddenly.

Benefits of Cross Seam Bowling

Extra Bounce: The ball can hit the pitch at an odd angle, making it lift unexpectedly.
Unpredictable Movement: Batters struggle to predict the bounce and direction.
Useful in Tough Conditions: Works well on lifeless or dry pitches where seam movement is minimal.

How to Bowl Cross Seam Deliveries

Grip: Hold the ball across the seam with your fingers placed on top and thumb below.
Run-up & Action: Maintain a normal bowling stride and don’t change your action.
Release: Let the ball go naturally without trying to force extra movement.

When to Use Cross Seam Bowling

On Slow Pitches: Helps extract extra bounce.
In Death Overs: Creates variation and makes it harder for batters to hit cleanly.
Against Set Batters: Can disrupt their rhythm due to unpredictability.

Famous Bowlers Who Use Cross Seam Effectively

Glenn McGrath: Used cross-seam deliveries to create uneven bounce.
Pat Cummins: Often bowls cross-seam for extra lift on slow pitches.
Jasprit Bumrah: Uses it for surprise skiddy deliveries in limited-overs cricket.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Gripping Too Tight: This reduces control. Keep a relaxed grip. Overcomplicating the Action: Keep your bowling motion natural. Using It on the Wrong Surface: Avoid on green pitches where seam movement is better.

Final Thoughts

Cross-seam bowling is an excellent tool for fast bowlers. It brings unpredictability and extra bounce, making life difficult for batters. If you’re a fast bowler, practice this technique and use it wisely in different match situations. It could be your secret weapon!