The Googly: How to Bowl Cricket's Most Deceptive Leg-Spin Variation

The googly — also called the 'wrong-un' — is a leg-spin delivery that turns from off to leg for a right-handed batter, the opposite of a standard leg-break. It is one of the most deceptive deliveries in cricket because the bowler's action can look virtually identical to a leg-break until the ball pitches and turns the wrong way.

The Grip for a Googly

The googly is bowled with the wrist rotated so the back of the hand faces the batter at the point of release. The first and second fingers are spread across the seam, and the third finger acts as the primary lever. At the moment of release, the wrist snaps so the palm faces toward fine leg, spinning the ball from right to left (for a right-arm bowler) — the opposite rotation to a leg-break. The action requires significant wrist flexibility.

How Batters Try to Pick the Googly

Experienced batters watch the wrist position at the point of release. In a leg-break, the back of the hand faces the batter briefly. In a googly, the palm faces the batter at release. Some bowlers can disguise this. Others give a tell through the position of the elbow or a slight change in arm height. Playing off the pitch — watching the ball after it lands — is the safest strategy against a bowler who hides their googly well.

When to Bowl the Googly

The googly is most effective against right-handed batters who plant their front foot to a leg-break and are surprised when the ball turns back into them. It is best used sparingly and after the batter has seen several leg-breaks — the contrast of spin direction is its greatest weapon. Overusing it removes the element of surprise. The best leg-spinners are those whose googly is almost impossible to distinguish from their stock delivery.