Carrom ball

Cricket is a game of skill, strategy, and precision. One of the most intriguing aspects of the sport is spin bowling. Spin bowling involves the art of spinning the ball to deceive the batsman and take wickets. The carrom ball is a popular and challenging delivery used by spin bowlers in modern-day cricket.

The carrom ball is a deceptive delivery in which the bowler uses his fingers to spin the ball in the opposite direction to a conventional off-spin or leg-spin. The bowler releases the ball with a flick of the fingers, like the way a carrom player flicks the striker in the game of carrom. The ball skids off the surface and moves in the opposite direction, confusing the batsman and often resulting in a wicket.

First Bowler to introduce Carrom Ball in ICC Cricket

The carrom ball was first introduced by Sri Lankan off-spinner Ajantha Mendis in the late 2000s. He was the first bowler to master the art of the carrom ball and used it to great effect in international cricket. Since then, many spin bowlers have added this delivery to their repertoire, including Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin and Australian leg-spinner Adam Zampa.

Spin bowling is an art form that requires a lot of practice and skill. Spin bowlers must have a deep understanding of the game and the ability to read the batsman’s mind. They must be able to spin the ball both ways, vary the pace and flight of the ball, and disguise their deliveries to outsmart the batsman.

Art of Carrom Ball

To bowl a carrom ball, the bowler must grip the ball with the index and middle fingers on one side and the thumb on the other. As the bowler releases the ball, he flicks the fingers, imparting spin on the ball in the opposite direction. The ball skids off the surface and moves towards the batsman, often catching him off guard.

The carrom ball is a challenging delivery to bowl, and it requires a lot of practice and patience to master. Spin bowlers must work on their finger strength and flexibility to generate enough spin on the ball. They must also work on their accuracy and control to ensure that the ball lands in the right spot.

In conclusion, the carrom ball is a fascinating delivery that has added a new dimension to the art of spin bowling. It requires a lot of skill and practice to master, but it can be a potent weapon in a spin bowler’s arsenal. As cricket continues to evolve, we are likely to see more bowlers adding the carrom ball to their repertoire and using it to great effect in international cricket.