Left-Arm Orthodox Spin in Cricket: Slow Left Arm Explained
Left-arm orthodox spin (slow left arm, or SLA) is a finger-spin style that turns the ball into the right-handed batsman, the mirror image of off-spin from the other hand.
What Is Left-Arm Orthodox Spin?
Left-arm orthodox spin (abbreviated SLA — Slow Left Arm) is a finger-spin style bowled by left-arm bowlers. The ball naturally turns from off stump toward leg stump for a right-handed batsman — into the body. It is the mirror image of right-arm off-spin and is one of the most classical and widely practised spin styles in cricket.
Left-Arm Orthodox vs Off-Spin
| Attribute | Left-Arm Orthodox (SLA) | Right-Arm Off-Spin |
|---|---|---|
| Bowling hand | Left | Right |
| Turns for RHB | Into the batsman (same as off-spin) | Into the batsman |
| Angle of attack | Comes in from outside off for LHB | Comes in from outside off for RHB |
| Angle for LHB | Away from LHB (like leg-spin) | Into LHB |
Famous Left-Arm Orthodox Spinners
Daniel Vettori of New Zealand is one of the greatest SLA spinners in Test history with 362 wickets. Derek Underwood of England was famous for his accuracy. Ravindra Jadeja of India and Mitchell Santner of New Zealand are leading modern SLA spinners.
Frequently asked questions
What is left-arm orthodox spin in cricket?
Left-arm orthodox spin (SLA) is finger-spin bowled by a left-arm bowler, turning the ball into the right-handed batsman's body.
Is left-arm orthodox the same as Chinaman bowling?
No — left-arm orthodox uses finger spin and turns into the right-handed batsman; the Chinaman uses wrist spin and turns away from the right-handed batsman.
Who is the best left-arm orthodox spinner in modern cricket?
Ravindra Jadeja of India is considered one of the best SLA spinners, valued for both wicket-taking and exceptional economy rate.