The Carrom Ball in Cricket: Spin Bowled With a Flick
The carrom ball is a unique spinning delivery bowled by flicking the ball between the thumb and middle finger — learn how it works and which bowlers have used it most effectively.
What Is the Carrom Ball?
The carrom ball is a spin delivery bowled by flicking the ball out from between the thumb and a bent middle finger — similar to the way you flick a carrom piece in the board game carrom. The release is almost a squeeze-and-flick, and the ball can be sent in various directions depending on which way the fingers push.
How It Differs From Conventional Spin
Normal off-spin uses the first finger to roll across the ball. Leg-spin uses a wrist snap with the third finger. The carrom ball bypasses traditional grip entirely — it is flicked out and can go straight, turn either way, or skid through, depending on the exact flick direction. This makes it highly versatile but also difficult to control.
Who Bowls the Carrom Ball?
- Ajantha Mendis of Sri Lanka popularised the delivery in international cricket around 2008 — he took 26 wickets in his first three Tests with it
- R Ashwin of India uses a carrom ball variation that turns either way, making him extremely difficult to read
- Sunil Narine of West Indies / KKR has used a carrom-ball variation to devastating effect in T20 cricket
- Several domestic bowlers use the delivery but struggle to develop it to international standard
Strengths and Weaknesses
| Strength | Weakness |
|---|---|
| Can turn either way, creating uncertainty | Hard to control — expensive if not landed correctly |
| Unusual release makes it hard to read | Batters who study video can identify release cues |
| Less wear on the spinning finger than orthodox methods | Not naturally accurate — requires extensive practice |
Frequently asked questions
Is the carrom ball legal?
Yes. The carrom ball uses a standard release action — the flicking of the ball between fingers is entirely within the Laws of Cricket. Provided the elbow stays within the 15-degree flex limit, the delivery is legal.
Can you bowl the carrom ball fast?
The carrom ball is typically slower than conventional spin — around 70–85 km/h. Bowling it faster reduces the effectiveness of the spin and makes it harder to control. It is specifically a spin variation, not a pace delivery.
Why don't more bowlers use it?
Because it is mechanically difficult and often inaccurate without extensive development time. Most bowlers have their action set before the carrom ball becomes viable. Players who learn it in youth cricket are more likely to develop it into a usable weapon.