The Flipper in Cricket Explained
What the flipper is in leg-spin bowling, how it's bowled, and why it's one of the most devastating variations for a leg-spinner to master.
What Is the Flipper?
The flipper is a leg-spin variation that is squeezed from the front of the hand by the thumb and two fingers, producing underspin (backspin) on the ball. Instead of the usual topspin of a leg-break, the flipper skids straight on after pitching, stays low, and — critically — keeps much of its speed through the air. The batter, expecting the usual dipping leg-break, plays over the ball as it skids through low at pace.
Physical Action
The flipper requires considerable strength in the fingers. The ball is clicked out between the thumb and middle finger in a snapping motion, with the wrist going behind the ball rather than over it. This produces clockwise spin from the bowler's perspective — which is backspin — causing the ball to skid and stay low after pitching rather than gripping and bouncing.
Shane Warne and the Flipper
Shane Warne was the most celebrated exponent of the flipper in modern cricket. He kept the flipper secret for the first period of his Test career — using it sparingly and only when needed. In the 1995 Ashes, he used the flipper to dismiss several England batters who were completely deceived by the trajectory, pace, and low skid. Warne described the flipper as his 'secret weapon'.
Frequently asked questions
Does the flipper turn after pitching?
No — the flipper goes straight through with backspin, skidding low. It doesn't turn to leg like a leg-break or turn to off like a googly. Its danger is the low skid and faster pace that surprises the batter.
Is the flipper only used by leg-spinners?
Primarily yes. The action is specific to leg-spin wrist-spin mechanics. Some part-time spinners use a modified version, but the true flipper is associated exclusively with right-arm wrist-spinners.
Who bowls the best flipper in modern cricket?
Adam Zampa (Australia) and Rashid Khan (Afghanistan) are among the most proficient modern leg-spinners with effective flippers. Shane Warne remains the historical benchmark for flipper effectiveness.