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Finger spin
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Finger spin is a type of bowling in the sport of cricket. It refers to the technique and specific hand movements associated with imparting a particular direction of spin to the cricket ball. The other spinning technique, generally used to spin the ball in the opposite direction, is wrist spin. Although there are exceptions, finger spinners generally turn the ball less than wrist spinners. However, because the technique is simpler and easier to master, finger spinners tend to be more accurate.
The name finger spin is actually something of a misnomer, as the finger action is not a vital part of the mechanism for producing the characteristic spin on the ball. A finger spin delivery is released with the arm held in a fully supinated position, with the fingers on the outside of the ball (to the right for a right-handed bowler). If this supinated position is maintained through the release, the fingers will naturally cut down the side of the ball and produce a clockwise spin. The great English finger spinner Derek Underwood is famous for bowling finger spin in this manner.
Additional spin may be put on the ball through two other means: the active supination of the arm from an initially pronated position just before the ball is released, and the flexion or extension of the wrist at the moment of release. Both techniques increase the effect of the cutting mechanism. The slower a spin bowler delivers the ball, the more actively he must attempt to impart spin onto it to maintain the same rate of revolution.
Types of finger spinner
[edit]
Although finger spin may be bowled with the same technique (albeit laterally inverted, as though viewed in a mirror) by both right and left handed bowlers, such bowlers are often discussed separately, as the direction in which the ball deviates as it bounces on the cricket pitch is different:
- Right-handed finger spin is known as an off spin.
- Left-handed finger spin is known as a left-arm orthodox spin.
For simplicity's sake, the rest of this article assumes a right-handed finger spinner bowling to a right-handed batsman.
However, increasingly, the distinction must be made between traditional finger spinners and non-traditional finger spinners, particularly with innovations (such as the doosra and carrom balls) which require a different grip on the ball (and consequently a different bowling technique).
Such styles of bowling may be categorised as follows
- Traditional finger spin, where the ball is gripped with the top knuckles of the index and middle fingers firmly gripping across the seam. The thumb is held clear of the ball, or rests lightly on the seam. Notable users of this technique include Graeme Swann and Nathan Lyon. Variations normally used with this type of bowling include the arm ball and the top-spinner.
- Middle-finger spin, where the ball is gripped with the middle finger running directly over the top of the ball, with the knuckles of the index and ring finger gripping the ball from beneath, as exemplified by Saeed Ajmal, Saqlain Mushtaq and Suresh Raina. The stock ball is an off-break, with the middle and then index finger running over the seam to produce revolutions. Variations normally used include the doosra and the teesra.
- Carrom spin (Carrom ball), in which the ball is held between the middle finger and the thumb, with the middle finger parallel to the palm of the hand. Instead of a conventional release, the ball is squeezed out and flicked by the fingers like a carrom player flicking the disc on a carrom board. However, normally this delivery will be a leg break, although off breaks, top-spinners, and back-spinners may be bowled using this grip, as demonstrated by Jack Iverson.[1] Current users of this delivery include Ajantha Mendis and Ravichandran Ashwin.
There exist other sorts of finger-spin, but this section should be viewed mainly as a guide to the main types used in international cricket today. There are those who would add the type of spin bowled by Muttiah Muralidharan to this list, and although his stock bowl is a right-handed off-break, such a bowling technique would be better described as non-traditional wristspin, owing to the extent to which the wrist, far more so than the fingers, are involved in generating revolutions on the ball.
Grip
[edit]A finger spinner grips the ball with the top knuckles of the index and middle fingers firmly gripping across the seam. The thumb is held clear of the ball.
Process
[edit]The stock ball for a right-handed finger spinner has a clockwise component of spin as well as a component of top spin. The stock ball for a left-handed finger spinner rotates the anticlockwise as seen by the bowler. For some finger spinners the index and middle fingers do a lot of work, snapping, to impart spin on the ball. At the other end of the spectrum there are finger spinners who rely much more on the wrist action. Either way, the wrist position at the point of release determines how the ball spins.
| Wrist position | Delivery | Intended outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Palm of hand facing batsman | Traditional off spinner. Side spinner. | Drifts away from batsman. Turns from off to leg side of the pitch. |
| Side of hand pointed to leg slip | Stock or attacking ball – part top spin, part side spin | Some turn, some dip or bounce and some drift. |
| Side of hand pointed to batsman | Top spinner | Dip – bounces high or lower in length. |
| Back of hand facing batsman | Doosra | Spinning from leg to off the pitch |
| Back of hand facing the ground | Under cutter | A drift |
Variations
[edit]There is a large range of variations used by fingerspinners, with a brief description of the most common given below.
- Arm ball – a delivery with an upright seam faced towards the batsmen, which swings in and follows the direction of the arm. Generally bowled with a lot of backspin.
- Topspinner – a delivery with an upright seam rotating towards the batsmen, which generally tends to dip and bounce more than other deliveries
- Undercutter – a delivery with the seam horizontal, that skids on towards the batsmen. Seldom used in recent times.
- Doosra – a ball that turns from leg to off (a legbreak), but that is delivered in a similar manner to the traditional offbreak, such that it can be extremely difficult to differentiate between the two.
- Teesra – otherwise known as a backspinner, this delivery rotates backwards from the view of the batsmen, with the seam scrambled (thus differentiating it from the arm ball).
- Carrom ball – a surprise variation, flicked off the middle finger (in a similar fashion to a disk in the Asian game of Carrom) that turns from leg to off (a legbreak).
Off-spin
[edit]Traditionally, finger spinners bowled with an emphasis on side spin. With the advent of covered and better batting pitches the focus changed to bowling with a component of top spin. The top spin provides loop which makes it harder for the batsman to make an early judgement of the length of the delivery. The ball tends to be released with a slightly upward trajectory which raises the ball above the batsman's eye line. The topspin on the ball then causes the ball to dip earlier and bounce higher.
The side spin component of the delivery causes it to drift, courtesy of Bernoulli's principle. For a stock, side spin or under cutter this causes the ball to drift away from the batsman. The combination of drift, loop and spin combine to provide the finger spinner's attacking ability.
Doosra
[edit]A doosra (Urdu: دوسرا, Hindi दूसरा) is a particular type of delivery by an off-spin bowler in the sport of cricket, popularised by Pakistani cricketer Saqlain Mushtaq.[2] The term means ‘(the) second (one)’, or ’(the) other (one)’ in Urdu (and Hindi).[3] Saqlain Mushtaq has also invented a variant of the doosra, a ball which he calls the ‘teesra’, meaning ’(the) third (one)’.
Other bowlers have made considerable use of the doosra in international cricket, including Sri Lankan Muttiah Muralitharan, South African Johan Botha, India's Harbhajan Singh and the Pakistanis Shoaib Malik and Saeed Ajmal.
The doosra is a relatively new type of delivery. Saqlain Mushtaq is credited with its invention, which was integral to both his success and the future of off-spin bowling, as it is unlikely that any off-spinner prior to him ever bowled a delivery which turned from leg.[4]
The naming of the delivery is attributed to Moin Khan, the former Pakistani wicketkeeper, who would call on Mushtaq to bowl the "doosra" (the other one) from behind the stumps. Tony Greig, a commentator in one of these matches, eventually linked the word to the delivery and confirmed it with Saqlain in a post-match interview.[5] Thus the term became a part of cricketing culture. The doosra is now an important part of the off-spin armoury.
Some people, however, feel that the real pioneer of the doosra was Sonny Ramadhin, who played for the West Indies in the 1950s, as he moved the ball both ways, despite gripping the ball like an off-break bowler.[6]
The bowler delivers the ball with the same finger action as a normal off break but cocks the wrist so that the back of the hand faces the batsman. This gives the ball spin in the opposite direction to that for an off break, causing it to spin from the leg side to the off side to a right-handed batsman.
The doosra is the off-spinner's equivalent of the leg-spinner's googly, which spins in the opposite direction to the leg spinner's stock ball.
Carrom ball
[edit]In a carrom ball, the ball is released by flicking it between the thumb and a bent middle finger to impart spin. Though the delivery is known to date from at least the 1940s, it was re-introduced into mainstream international cricket in the late 2000s by Ajantha Mendis of Sri Lanka, Ravichandran Ashwin of India further popularised the carrom ball.
Topspinner
[edit]A top-spinner is a type of delivery bowled by a cricketer bowling either wrist spin or finger spin. In either case, the bowler imparts the ball with top spin by twisting it with his or her fingers prior to delivery. In both cases, the topspinner is the halfway house between the stock delivery and the wrong'un – in the wrist spinner's case his googly, and in the finger spinner's case his doosra.
A topspinning cricket ball behaves similarly to top spin shots in tennis or table tennis. The forward spinning motion impedes air travelling over the ball, but assists air travelling underneath. The difference in air pressure above and underneath the ball (described as the Magnus effect) acts as a downward force, meaning that the ball falls earlier and faster than normal.
In cricketing terms, this means that the ball drops shorter, falls faster and bounces higher than might otherwise be anticipated by the batsman. These properties are summed up in cricketing terms as a "looping" or "loopy" delivery. Also, the ball travels straight on, as compared to a wrist spin or finger spin stock delivery that breaks to the left or right on impact. A batsman may easily be deceived by the ball, particularly given that the action is quite similar to the stock delivery.
In delivery, the topspinner is gripped like a normal side spinner. For a legspinner the back of the hand faces the cover region and the palm of the hand faces the mid wicket region at release. For an offspinner, these directions are reversed. The ball is then released either with the seam going straight on to the batsman, or with a scrambled seam. A spinner will frequently bowl deliveries with both top spin and side spin. A ball presenting with roughly equal amounts of both is usually called an "overspinning" leg break or off break.
Tactically, a bowler will bowl topspinners to draw a batsman forward before using the dip and extra bounce to deceive them. In particular, batsmen looking to sweep or drive are vulnerable as the bounce can defeat them. It is one of the best spinning tactics in the field of finger spinning.
Undercutter
[edit]The undercutter is a delivery bowled by a finger spin bowler in cricket. It is delivered with the arm tilted in such a way that the palm of the bowling hand is facing the sky at point of release. The ball will then be released with a horizontal side spin instead of the orthodox clockwise spin that the stock delivery is released with. This unique angle of spin will cause the ball to swerve sideways due to the magnus force in a similar manner to the drift produced on the stock delivery, but instead of turning, the ball will continue on its path.
Backspinner, or Teesra
[edit]One common variation bowled by finger spinners is the backspinner, currently being rebranded the teesra. This ball is usually bowled slightly faster than the orthodox off-spin delivery, with the fingers rolling down the back of the ball at release instead of down the side. The backspin makes the flight of the ball hard to judge, and may make the ball keep low. This delivery is entirely analogous to the wristspinner's slider.
The Teesra is a delivery recently made famous by renowned and innovative off-spinner Saqlain Mushtaq. However upon closer inspection, the ball is simply an orthodox backspinner, a very common delivery that has been bowled by finger spinners as long as cricket has been played.[7]
The delivery was renamed in the Indian Cricket League by Saqlain Mushtaq. At that time Saqlain played for the Lahore Badshahs. The first person to face the teesra or Jalebi was Russel Arnold of Sri Lanka when he was correctly given LBW by the umpire. He was also the first person to get out at the hands of the teesra as well. He got out the fourth time a teesra had ever been bowled.[8]
The delivery was invented on the basis that it acts like a slider (which is used by a Leg-spinner) The delivery is held by an off-spinner in his normal action but instead of twisting the arm at the point of the delivery, the bowler simply rolls his fingers down the back of the ball. The delivery looks like it will turn a lot but it does not turn at all. This is a good way of deceiving the batsman that it will turn.[9]
The name for the teesra was commonly used by Saqlain and that it originates from the first delivery the doosra because the doosra means the "other one" or "second one" in Urdu, Saqlain decided to call it the teesra meaning the "third one". The name Jalebi was introduced as soon as the delivery was bowled, many Indian commentators started using the name Jalebi. Jalebi is a sweet pastry commonly eaten in the sub-continent. However the name "backspinner" is by far the more common name that describes accurately the spin on the ball as it travels through the air.
So far this delivery has been used for well over a hundred years. But the recent bout of self-publicity involved has been pioneered by Saqlain and that he commonly used it against batsman in the Indian Cricket League he currently uses the delivery in county cricket as well but has stated that the teesra is still a work in progress and that he wants to hone the delivery so that the batsman become even more confused about where the ball is going to spin and whether it will spin at all.
Arm ball
[edit]An arm ball is a type of delivery in cricket. It is a variation delivery bowled by an off spin bowler or slow left-arm orthodox bowler. It is related to the orthodox backspinner.
In contrast to the stock delivery, an arm ball is delivered without rolling the fingers down the side of the ball on release. This means the ball has backspin on it, and it does not turn appreciably off the pitch. Instead, it travels straight on in the direction of the arm, from which it derives its name. However, by keeping the seam upright, the bowler can also hope to obtain some outswing away from the right-handed batsman, thereby confusing the batsman who expects the ball to turn. In comparison to the orthodox backspinner, the arm ball is less well disguised and easier to spot due to the visibly vertical seam orientation, but the extra swing involved more than makes up for this.
The arm ball is best used as a surprise variation by a spinner who is turning the ball considerably. A complacent or poorly skilled batsman playing for the expected spin can be taken by surprise and get out bowled or lbw, or edge the ball with the outside edge of the bat to offer a catch to the wicket-keeper or slip fielders. Sanath Jayasuriya, Ravindra Jadeja, Saqlain Mushtaq, Daniel Vettori and Mohammad Rafique use the arm ball to good effect.
Coaching
[edit]Other key elements of the process of finger spin are:
- Foot alignment – a line drawn through the back and front feet should line up with where the ball is intended to the cricket pitch. Typically the back foot is nearly side on and the front foot between side on and pointing to the target. This aligns the body to deliver the ball to the target.
- Releasing the ball with the weight over the front foot. This drives the bowlers momentum towards the target. It also lets the bowler release the ball from maximum height.
- A vertical shoulder rotation that completes, for a right-handed bowler, with the right shoulder pointing at the target.
- Such a shoulder rotation can be obtained by encouraging the bowler to enter the delivery stride (the last step taken before the ball is released) with the left shoulder facing the batsmen, before swivelling about the front foot while bringing the arm over.
- Traditional fingerspinners may also be encouraged to visualize "pulling a chain" with the right hand during the delivery. This often helps in obtaining the right wrist position and movement of the fingers at the moment of delivery.
- Leaning backwards slightly when entering the delivery stride may also help in generating pace and revolutions on the ball.
- Similarly, extending the left arm skyward just before the delivery stride, before dragging the left elbow low and close to the body during the release will also help in increasing both the speed and spin of the ball.
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ Iverson Gleeson method www.youtube.com. Retrieved 3 March 2011.
- ^ Saqlain signs for Ireland: Cricinfo.com. Retrieved 26 April 2007.
- ^ Doosra may be the difference – Cricket – Sport – theage.com.au
- ^ Saqlain Mushtaq – Player Profile: Cricinfo.com Retrieved 26 April 2007.
- ^ Moin Khan coined the term Archived 7 June 2011 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Sonny Ramadhin introduced doosra Archived 18 July 2011 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Brian Wilkins, "The Bowler's Art"
- ^ Arnold adjudged Plumb to miraculous Teesra by Saqi
- ^ The Jalebi expalained
External links
[edit]Finger spin
View on GrokipediaIntroduction and History
Definition and Characteristics
Finger spin is a technique of spin bowling in cricket in which the bowler imparts spin to the ball primarily through the action of the fingers, rather than the wrist, causing the ball to deviate after pitching. This method contrasts with wrist spin, which relies on a pronounced wrist flick to generate sharper turn, and is generally slower than fast bowling, with typical speeds ranging from 70 to 90 km/h (approximately 17.7–25 m/s).[10][11][12] Key characteristics of finger spin include enhanced accuracy and control over trajectory compared to wrist spin, allowing bowlers to target precise lines and lengths more consistently, though it produces less pronounced turn off the pitch but greater in-flight drift due to the Magnus effect. The ball is typically gripped across the seam with the index and middle fingers positioned to flick at release, orienting the seam towards the slips for off-spin deliveries and establishing an initial spin axis that promotes lateral deviation. Finger spin plays a vital role in Test cricket for building pressure through economical bowling—often achieving rates around 2.7 runs per over—and in limited-overs formats for restricting scoring and inducing false shots.[10][11][12] Within spin bowling, finger spin encompasses orthodox variations such as right-arm off-spin and left-arm orthodox spin, distinguished from wrist spin categories like leg-spin by its reliance on finger torque rather than wrist supination or pronation for spin generation. The basic physics involves the seam's orientation influencing post-pitch deviation and the initial spin axis—often tilted for drift—interacting with air resistance to create subtle flight path changes that challenge the batsman's judgment.[11][10]Historical Development
Finger spin, a technique relying on the fingers to impart spin on the cricket ball, originated in 19th-century England, where early practitioners like left-arm off-spinner Bobby Peel helped establish its fundamentals during the sport's formative professional era.[13] Peel, who debuted for Yorkshire in 1882 and represented England in Tests from 1884 to 1896, exemplified the controlled finger-driven spin that became integral to English bowling attacks on turning pitches, marking the technique's transition from informal play to structured first-class cricket.[13] As cricket spread through British colonies in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, finger spin formalized alongside the game's codification, with off-spin emerging as its foundational delivery in varied colonial conditions from Australia to India.[14] A pivotal milestone came in the 1950s when West Indies spinners Sonny Ramadhin and Alf Valentine popularized mystery variations of finger spin, captivating global audiences during their 1950 tour of England. Ramadhin, a right-arm off-spinner capable of turning the ball both ways without altering his action, and Valentine, an orthodox left-armer noted for relentless accuracy, took 59 wickets combined in that series, inspiring the famous "Victory Calypso" and demonstrating finger spin's potential for deception on responsive pitches.[15] Their success, achieved with minimal prior first-class experience, elevated finger spin's status in Test cricket, where it dominated strategies before the 1970s, often accounting for the majority of wickets in spin-friendly encounters as batsmen struggled against its subtleties compared to emerging wrist-spin alternatives.[16][17] The 1990s brought innovation with Pakistani off-spinner Saqlain Mushtaq's invention of the doosra, a finger-spin delivery that reverses direction from the off-spinner's stock ball, revolutionizing the art by adding unpredictability without wrist involvement.[18] Debuting in international cricket around 1995, the doosra propelled Saqlain to 208 Test wickets and influenced subsequent generations, though it sparked controversies in the 2000s over its legality. The International Cricket Council (ICC) intensified scrutiny, culminating in 2014 when Saeed Ajmal, a prolific doosra exponent with 178 Test wickets, was banned for exceeding the 15-degree elbow flexion limit on both his doosra and standard off-spinner, prompting biomechanical reforms across finger spin.[19][20][21] Post-2000, finger spin adapted to the rise of One Day Internationals (ODIs) and Twenty20 (T20) formats by emphasizing flatter trajectories and quicker releases to curb scoring rates on batting-friendly pitches, shifting from the loopy arcs dominant in pre-1970s Tests to economical variations suited for powerplay restrictions.[1] This evolution sustained its relevance, as seen in Australian off-spinner Nathan Lyon's persistence through the 2023 Ashes—where he claimed 11 wickets before sustaining a calf injury that sidelined him for the remainder of the series—underscoring finger spin's enduring tactical value in high-stakes Tests.[22][23][24] In subcontinental cricket, finger spin has driven dominance, particularly in India and Pakistan, where dry pitches amplify its turn and drift, enabling teams to amass over 70% of home Test wickets via spinners since 2000 and fueling successes in major tournaments like the 2023 ODI World Cup.[25] Post-2023, its adoption in women's cricket gained momentum, exemplified by Australian off-spinner Ashleigh Gardner's all-round impact, including a century and key wickets in the 2025 Women's ODI World Cup, highlighting finger spin's growing versatility across genders.[26][27][28]Technique
Grip and Hand Position
In finger spin bowling, the standard grip positions the index and middle fingers spread across the seam of the cricket ball, with the index finger aligned along the seam to apply the primary force for rotation and the middle finger providing additional leverage. The ring finger and little finger curl underneath for support, while the thumb rests lightly against the side or underside of the ball to maintain stability without impeding the flicking motion of the fingers. This configuration ensures the ball is held primarily in the fingers rather than the palm, facilitating precise control and spin generation through finger action rather than wrist flexion.[10][29][30] Hand position varies slightly based on the bowler's arm but emphasizes a supinated wrist for right-arm off-spinners, where the palm faces toward the batsman to enable an anti-clockwise flick at release, directing the ball to turn from off to leg for a right-handed batter. Left-arm finger spinners adopt a pronated wrist position, with the palm facing away from the batsman, mirroring the mechanics to achieve comparable inward turn. The grip orients the seam upright and perpendicular to the pitch direction, promoting aerial drift as the ball travels toward the batsman.[29][30] A common error is over-gripping the ball with excessive tension in the fingers and thumb, which restricts the relaxed flick needed for optimal spin and can lead to loss of control or reduced revolutions on the ball. Maintaining a light, relaxed hold allows the fingers to snap effectively, while improper spreading of the index and middle fingers may diminish turn. Correct seam alignment in the grip is vital, as misalignment can undermine drift and pitch grip.Bowling Process
The bowling process for finger spin begins with a balanced run-up, typically consisting of 10-15 steps to generate rhythm and maintain control without excessive momentum that could disrupt accuracy. This approach allows the bowler to build velocity gradually, averaging around 2.55 m/s, ensuring a smooth transition into the delivery stride while keeping the body aligned toward the target.[12][31] During the delivery, body action emphasizes coordinated rotation and weight transfer for optimal power and spin generation. The front arm pulls upward and toward the target to guide alignment and promote height, while the shoulders rotate from a semi-open position at back foot contact—averaging 218° orientation—to counter-rotate past front-on by ball release, achieving up to 83° of total rotation. Hip drive follows, with the pelvis rotating to an average 262° at release, creating significant pelvis-shoulder separation (around 20°) that enhances torque; weight shifts progressively from the back foot, which lands parallel to the crease, to the braced front foot, pointing toward the batsman for stability.[12][31][32] At release, the ball is flicked off the index and middle fingers—building on the established grip—with the wrist snapping to impart side spin, typically for an off-spin delivery, as the arm reaches a high position near 11 o'clock. Supination of the forearm occurs naturally during this flick, promoting revolutions per minute (rpm) up to 2553, while the follow-through extends the arm forward to maintain balance and prevent injury; the release height averages 2.19 m, with speeds around 56-57 mph for consistent trajectory.[12][31][32] The physics underlying finger spin delivery relies on the Magnus effect, where the ball's rotation creates uneven air pressure around it, causing lateral deviation or "turn" after pitching— for instance, an off-spin ball curves toward the batsman due to higher pressure on the off-side. Seam orientation further contributes to "drift," the pre-pitch lateral movement, by generating asymmetric airflow via Bernoulli's principle, where faster air movement over one side of the seam lowers pressure and pulls the ball sideways.[12][32] Safety in the bowling process requires adhering to International Cricket Council (ICC) rules, which prohibit elbow extension exceeding 15 degrees from upper arm horizontal to release to prevent throwing-like actions and reduce injury risk; common faults include excessive counter-rotation beyond front-on, leading to loss of control, or inadequate weight transfer, which destabilizes the delivery and increases elbow strain.[33][12]Deliveries
Off-spin
Off-spin is the foundational delivery in finger spin bowling, executed by a right-arm bowler to impart clockwise rotation on the ball, causing it to deviate from the off side toward the leg side after pitching when facing a right-handed batsman.[34] The grip involves placing the index and middle fingers across the leather perpendicular to the seam, which is held upright or slightly tilted toward leg slip, with the thumb and ring finger providing support underneath for stability during the approach.[35] At release, following a high arm action and pivoting on the front foot, the bowler snaps the fingers down and across the ball's side, generating overspin that promotes sharp turn and variable bounce upon contact with the pitch.[34] The ball's flight exhibits drift—lateral deviation away from the batsman due to the Magnus effect from the spin—before pitching and turning back toward the stumps, often with increased bounce on wearing surfaces.[34] Typical pace ranges from 75 to 85 km/h, allowing time for the spin to take effect while maintaining control over length.[36] This behavior pressures the batsman's off stump, threatening edges to slip or lbw dismissals. Tactically, off-spin excels in Test cricket by building dot-ball pressure on right-handed batsmen through consistent accuracy around off stump, often employing loop—a higher trajectory—to deceive with dip and enhance turn.[34] It sets up variations like the doosra by establishing the batsman's expectation of conventional turn.[34] As the original form of finger spin, off-spin gained prominence in the mid-20th century, exemplified by England's Jim Laker taking all 10 Australian wickets in the second innings of the 1956 Old Trafford Test, contributing to match figures of 19 for 90.[37]Doosra
The doosra is a variation of the off-spin delivery bowled by a finger spinner, designed to deceive the batsman by turning in the opposite direction to the conventional off-break. It is executed using a grip similar to the off-spin, with the index and middle fingers placed across the seam, but the bowler achieves the reverse spin through a hyperextended wrist position or a subtle finger flick at release, imparting anti-clockwise rotation on the ball as viewed from above. This technique requires precise control to maintain the arm action within the International Cricket Council's 15-degree elbow flexion limit, often resulting in a more subtle release compared to the standard off-spin.[38][39] Upon pitching, the doosra exhibits sharp turn from the leg side to the off side for a right-handed batsman, mimicking the trajectory of a leg-break but delivered from an off-spinner's arm, which enhances its deceptive quality. The delivery typically produces low bounce due to the altered wrist angle and release height, allowing it to skid through flatter than an off-break, while its pace remains comparable to the bowler's standard finger spin, usually in the range of 70-85 km/h.[40] The doosra was popularized by Pakistani off-spinner Saqlain Mushtaq in the late 1990s, who is credited with inventing the delivery during his international career, coining the term meaning "the second one" in Urdu to describe its role as an alternative to the off-break. Its rise sparked significant controversy due to suspicions that achieving the reverse turn often involved excessive elbow extension, leading the ICC to scrutinize and ban suspect actions; for instance, in 2014, Saeed Ajmal was suspended after biomechanical tests showed his doosra and other deliveries exceeded the 15-degree threshold, prompting him to remodel his action under coaching and gain clearance in 2015. In the 2020s, the ICC has continued testing, with some spinners noting the difficulty of bowling the doosra legally within the 15-degree limit.[3][42][21][43] Tactically, the doosra is particularly effective against left-handed batsmen in limited-overs formats like ODIs and T20s, where it turns into the batsman—forcing them to play against the spin—and has been used to secure key dismissals by exploiting footwork errors on batting-friendly pitches.[44]Carrom Ball
The carrom ball is a deceptive finger spin delivery in cricket, executed by flicking the ball between the thumb and a bent middle finger to mimic the action of striking a coin in the tabletop game carrom.[45] The bowler grips the ball between the thumb and index finger along the upright seam, typically positioned facing the gully, and releases it with a sharp snapping flick of the middle finger, relying on finger action rather than significant wrist deviation.[45] This technique produces minimal visible cues, making it challenging for batters to anticipate the trajectory. Upon release, the carrom ball travels on a low trajectory with relatively quick pace for a finger spinner, often angling into right-handed batters before either skidding straight or imparting subtle off-spin to deviate away.[45] The delivery's skid and reduced bounce emphasize deception over pronounced turn, contrasting with variations like the topspinner that induce more dip and height. It is particularly suited to subcontinental pitches, where slower, turning conditions amplify its subtle movement.[45] The carrom ball gained prominence through Sri Lankan off-spinner Ajantha Mendis, who popularized it internationally during the 2008 Asia Cup final against India in Karachi, claiming 6 wickets for 13 runs—including key dismissals via lbw and bowled—to secure victory for Sri Lanka.[46] Mendis's success, earning him Man of the Match, highlighted the delivery's potential as a tactical weapon, especially as a straightener to deceive batters expecting turn in the death overs of limited-overs matches.[47] Subsequent bowlers, such as India's Ravichandran Ashwin, have adopted it to restrict scoring and induce errors against right-handers in pressure situations.[48]Topspinner
The topspinner is a variation in finger spin bowling that imparts forward or overspin to the ball, resulting in extra bounce upon pitching and serving as an aggressive option to disrupt batsmen's timing and footwork. Unlike the standard off-spin delivery, which relies primarily on lateral turn, the topspinner emphasizes vertical movement to hurry the ball onto the batsman, often combining with subtle drift to enhance deception. This makes it particularly effective on pitches offering some grip, where the heightened bounce can surprise batsmen playing for turn. To execute the topspinner, the bowler adopts a grip similar to the off-break, with the index finger on the side of the seam, the middle finger on top, and the ring finger parallel for support. At release, the fingers pull downward over the top of the ball, tilting the spin axis forward to generate overspin, while the seam is oriented upright or slightly tilted toward the batsman to promote dip in flight. The bowler's arm remains high and extended, ensuring a full-length delivery that maximizes the spin's effect. In flight, the topspinner exhibits a dipping trajectory due to forward skid, often accompanied by drift from any residual side spin, before pitching and rearing sharply off the surface to challenge the batsman's judgment. This hurried bounce, skidding forward rather than turning away sharply, forces errors from aggressive stroke-makers advancing down the pitch. For instance, bowlers like Ravichandran Ashwin employ the topspinner to counter attacking batsmen in limited-overs formats, varying pace and flight to induce mistimed shots.[49] The physics behind the topspinner involves an enhanced Magnus effect from the forward rotation, producing a downward vertical force that accelerates the ball's descent and amplifies bounce upon impact with the pitch. This contrasts with the undercut variation, which imparts backspin to keep the ball low and skidding through.Undercut
The undercutter, also known as the undercut, is a finger spin variation designed to produce a low-trajectory delivery with backspin, making it particularly suited for slower, deteriorating pitches where bounce is inconsistent. This delivery emphasizes skid over sharp turn, deceiving batsmen by hurrying through low after pitching rather than gripping the surface. Bowlers employ it to target the stumps or exploit footwork errors, often interspersing it with standard off-breaks to disrupt rhythm. To execute the undercutter, the bowler slices the fingers underneath the ball during release, imparting backspin while angling the seam downward toward the ground. This involves a slightly lower arm position—typically around the 10 o'clock point compared to the 11 o'clock for a stock delivery—and a deliberate slowing of the release action to prioritize spin axis over pace. The wrist slides beneath the ball, maintaining the seam parallel to the ground for stability, which generates the desired backspin without excessive side rotation. As a counterpart to the topspinner, which imparts forward spin to increase bounce, the undercutter's backspin suppresses elevation for a flatter path. Upon pitching, the undercutter exhibits minimal lateral deviation, instead skidding straight on with reduced bounce due to the backspin minimizing grip on the surface. This behavior is enhanced by the spin axis, which causes the ball to roll forward rather than bite, often resulting in hurried deliveries that challenge the batsman's judgment of length and height. The physics of backspin here leverages the Magnus effect in reverse orientation, where the rotational force creates upward lift in flight to stabilize trajectory but promotes skidding and lower rebound upon contact with the pitch, altering the ball's interaction compared to topspin deliveries. Tactically, the undercutter excels on wearing pitches with cracks, where its low skid can exploit uneven bounce to beat the bat or induce lbw dismissals, as demonstrated by finger spinners in domestic competitions like the County Championship. Notable practitioners, such as R Ashwin, have highlighted its role in varying pace and trajectory to force errors, with the delivery often bowled at reduced speeds to maximize deception on turning tracks.Teesra
The teesra, meaning "third one" in Urdu, is an advanced finger spin delivery that imparts backspin, creating a straight skidding trajectory distinct from standard off-breaks. Invented by former Pakistan off-spinner Saqlain Mushtaq after his international career and also known as the jalebi, it was popularized by Saeed Ajmal during Pakistan's 2011-12 series against England, where Ajmal claimed to have used it sparingly to unsettle batsmen.[50][51][52] In execution, the bowler adopts an off-spin grip but incorporates a leg-break-like action, releasing the ball with a quick flick from the back of the hand using the middle finger to generate the backspin; this technique is rare due to its complexity and the precise control it demands over wrist and elbow flexion.[50][51] Unlike the doosra, its precursor variation that turns away from the right-hander, the teesra focuses on straight-line deception rather than sharp turn.[53] The ball's behavior features a fuller length in flight before skidding straight on after pitching with low bounce and quicker pace than a conventional off-break.[50][51] This low trajectory enhances its effectiveness on flatter pitches, often catching edges or inducing lbw dismissals, as seen in Saqlain's use against Russell Arnold in the Indian Cricket League.[50] Mastering the teesra demands exceptional finger and wrist control to balance the spin without compromising accuracy, making it one of the more challenging variations for finger spinners.[51] Its limited adoption stems partly from heightened ICC scrutiny following Saeed Ajmal's 2014 suspension for excessive elbow extension across his deliveries, which prompted biomechanical testing for similar actions and restricted its overt use in international cricket.[54][55] In comparison to the arm ball, which mimics seam movement through pace illusion without true spin, the teesra relies on rotational deception for its subtlety.[51]Arm Ball
The arm ball is a deceptive delivery primarily used by finger spinners, such as off-spinners, that replicates the action of their conventional off-break but imparts no spin, causing the ball to continue straight after pitching. It is executed by maintaining the same bowling action and arm rotation as the off-spin, including a high arm position and follow-through to preserve the disguise, but the bowler relaxes the fingers at release to eliminate any revolution on the ball. The grip often orients the seam upright or with the shiny side facing the palm, allowing the seam to act as a subtle rudder for potential drift without spin. This release from the standard arm angle ensures the flight mimics a looping spinner, fooling the batsman into expecting turn. Upon pitching, the arm ball straightens with the bowler's pace, typically delivered at 80-90 km/h, providing no lateral deviation and instead relying on skid or seam movement off the pitch to surprise the batsman. The similar trajectory and loop to the off-spin heighten the deception, as the batsman plays for anticipated spin away from their body, often resulting in edges or lbw dismissals. Unlike spun variations, it depends on this visual illusion rather than rotational physics for its effectiveness. Tactically, the arm ball adds variety to a finger spinner's arsenal, particularly in limited-overs cricket where its quicker pace serves as a straight-driving alternative to fuller lengths like yorkers, targeting middle stump to restrict scoring or induce errors. England's Graeme Swann exemplified its value in the 2010s, employing it alongside his orthodox off-break to claim numerous wickets in Tests and shorter formats by exploiting batsmen's expectations of turn.Practice and Impact
Coaching Methods
Coaching methods for finger spin bowling emphasize progressive skill development, from foundational techniques to performance optimization, ensuring bowlers maintain legal actions while enhancing spin efficiency. Basic drills focus on grip and release consistency, often starting with target practice where bowlers aim at cones or stumps at varying lengths and lines to build accuracy in off-spin or leg-spin deliveries.[56] Shadow bowling, performed in slow motion without a ball, helps refine run-up, stride, and follow-through mechanics, allowing coaches to correct alignment early. Video analysis is integrated to evaluate release points, providing visual feedback on finger positioning and arm path to ensure optimal spin generation without excessive elbow extension, which must remain under 15 degrees as per ICC regulations.[56][33] Advanced training incorporates footwork alignment and weight transfer exercises, such as delivery stride isolation drills where bowlers start stationary and gradually add steps to isolate release mechanics before building full momentum. Visualization techniques aid in mastering variations like the topspinner or arm ball, with bowlers mentally rehearsing trajectories to improve adaptability during sessions. Spin variation circuits rotate through stock balls, topspin, and hybrids at different stations, promoting seamless transitions and efficiency in spin axis orientation.[56] Coaching tips highlight building stamina for extended spells through interval training and endurance runs, essential for maintaining pace and drift over long overs. Adapting to pitch conditions involves adjusting flight and length based on surface grip, with lower trajectories on slower pitches to exploit turn. Youth development programs, such as BCCI's Centre of Excellence spin coaching initiatives, established in 2024, and ECB's spin bowling workshops, provide structured environments for young bowlers, incorporating personalized feedback and game-based learning to foster technique and confidence.[57][58][59] Common pitfalls include over-spinning every delivery, which compromises accuracy, and rushing the action, leading to inconsistent stride and reduced control; corrections involve prioritizing smooth mechanics and gradual progression. Over-reliance on wrist flick can cause strain injuries, so coaches stress finger-dominant actions to minimize elbow and wrist stress while ensuring ICC compliance through regular action assessments. Recent trends leverage biomechanics technology, such as smart cricket balls with gyroscopes capable of measuring spin rates, with typical rates for finger spinners around 20-40 revolutions per second, enabling precise feedback on efficiency, and 3D visualizations for targeted improvements.[56][33][60][61]Notable Finger Spinners
Finger spin has been exemplified by several historical figures whose performances marked pivotal moments in cricket history. Sonny Ramadhin, the West Indian off-spinner, rose to prominence during the 1950 tour of England, capturing 26 wickets across the five-Test series at an average of 23.00, contributing significantly to West Indies' 3-1 series victory.[62] Jim Laker, England's orthodox spinner, achieved an enduring record in the 1956 Ashes series by taking 46 wickets overall, including the unparalleled 19 for 90 in the fourth Test at Old Trafford, where he claimed all 10 wickets in Australia's second innings.[63] In the modern era, finger spinners have revitalized the art form in Test cricket. Graeme Swann spearheaded England's off-spin renaissance in the 2010s, amassing 255 Test wickets at an average of 29.96, with standout contributions in the 2010-11 Ashes whitewash where he took 26 wickets.[64] Ravichandran Ashwin of India, a master of variations, retired in December 2024 with 537 Test wickets, and demonstrated his prowess in limited-overs formats with notable IPL 2024 performances for Rajasthan Royals, including key hauls that supported their playoff push while scoring 309 runs.[65] Nathan Lyon has solidified his status as Australia's leading off-spinner by November 2025, with 562 Test wickets at 30.99, eclipsing predecessors in the finger-spin category through consistent performances in varied conditions.[66] Subcontinental practitioners have innovated finger spin techniques, enhancing its global influence. Saqlain Mushtaq, the Pakistani pioneer credited with inventing the doosra, claimed 208 Test wickets in 49 matches at 29.83, revolutionizing off-spin with his deceptive delivery during the late 1990s and early 2000s.[67] Saeed Ajmal, another Pakistani off-spinner, built on this legacy with 178 Test wickets at 24.30, introducing the teesra variation despite facing an ICC suspension in 2014 for an illegal elbow extension exceeding 15 degrees on his doosra, from which he remodeled his action to return briefly.[68] In women's cricket, finger spin has gained traction post-2020 amid the format's resurgence. Australia's Ellyse Perry, an all-rounder known for her pace but adept at occasional off-spin, has contributed to multi-format successes in Tests and ODIs.[69] Ashleigh Gardner, a right-arm off-spinner, has emerged as a cornerstone, taking 24 Test wickets by 2025 at 18.79, highlighted by her 12 for 100 in the 2022 one-off Test against England, underscoring the growing reliance on finger spin in women's red-ball cricket.[26]References
- https://www.[researchgate](/page/ResearchGate).net/publication/38068790_The_off-break_and_doosra_Kinematic_variations_of_elite_and_sub-elite_bowlers_in_creating_ball_spin_in_cricket_bowling