From Underarm to Overarm: The History of Bowling in Cricket
Cricket bowling evolved from underarm to roundarm to overarm across 200 years. Learn about the bowling revolution, why it changed, and the famous controversies along the way.
Cricket's bowling style was not always the overarm action we know today. The game evolved through three distinct bowling styles over 200 years — underarm, roundarm, and finally overarm — each transition resisted by the establishment before eventually being accepted.
Underarm bowling (pre-1820s)
Early cricket used underarm bowling — the ball was rolled or pitched along the ground from a low arm. Batters used curved bats to meet the low trajectory. Wickets were initially two stumps. This style dominated until the early 1800s.
Roundarm bowling (1820s–1860s)
John Willes is credited with introducing roundarm bowling — with the arm raised to shoulder height — in the 1820s. He was inspired watching his sister Christina bowl underarm with a wide skirt preventing the full underarm action. Willes was no-balled for roundarm at Lord's in 1822. Despite resistance, the MCC legalised roundarm bowling in 1835.
Overarm bowling (1860s onwards)
Edgar Willsher of Kent was no-balled for overarm bowling in 1862 — leading to the first umpiring controversy of modern cricket. His teammates walked off in protest. In 1864, the Laws of Cricket were changed to allow overarm bowling. Within a decade, overarm became the standard and roundarm virtually disappeared.
Bowling actions today
Modern cricket allows overarm bowling with one constraint: the elbow cannot straighten more than 15 degrees at the point of release. This was codified in 2004 after bio-mechanical testing showed most bowlers naturally flex their elbows slightly. The 15-degree rule replaced previous subjective 'chucking' judgements.
Famous throwing controversies
- Geoff Griffin (South Africa, 1960) — called for throwing in England; career ended
- Muttiah Muralitharan (Sri Lanka, 1995, 1999) — repeatedly tested and cleared
- Shoaib Akhtar (Pakistan, 2003) — cleared after testing showed arm within 15 degrees
- Mohammad Hafeez (Pakistan, 2014–2015) — suspended, remodelled action, cleared
Frequently asked questions
When did overarm bowling become legal in cricket?
Overarm bowling was legalised in 1864 after years of roundarm bowling. The change followed Edgar Willsher's no-balling controversy in 1862.
What happened in the 1981 underarm incident?
Australia's Greg Chappell instructed his brother Trevor to bowl underarm to New Zealand on the last ball of an ODI, preventing a possible tie. The act was legal but caused outrage and led to underarm bowling being banned in ODI cricket.
What is the 15-degree rule in bowling?
The 15-degree rule (codified in 2004) states that a bowler's elbow cannot straighten more than 15 degrees at the point of release. Exceeding this is considered throwing and the action is illegal.