Cricket Bowling History Explained: From Underarm to Roundarm to Overarm, and the 1981 Final Ball Controversy
The evolution of cricket bowling — underarm bowling (the original cricket delivery), roundarm bowling (1820s revolution), overarm bowling (legalised 1864), why the laws changed each time, the 1981 underarm controversy (Australia vs New Zealand — Trevor Chappell bowled underarm to prevent a six on the last ball), and what modern bowling law requires.
Cricket bowling has passed through three distinct eras since the game's recorded history (17th century): underarm bowling (the ball rolled or bowled along the ground); roundarm bowling (the arm swings from beside the body — horizontal); and overarm bowling (the arm passes above the shoulder — the modern delivery). Each transition was controversial in its time — the established style was defended as tradition, the new style was criticised as unfair or dangerous. Today's Laws require overarm delivery, with specific constraints on the elbow extension angle.
Underarm Bowling: Cricket's Original Delivery (to 1828)
Underarm bowling dominated cricket through the 18th century and into the early 19th. The original Laws of Cricket (1744) describe bowling as rolling the ball along the ground — effectively lawn bowls style. Evolution: as pitches improved (from rough commons to prepared surfaces), bowlers began pitching the ball (bouncing it off the turf) rather than rolling it. Underarm pitching produced the first 'length bowling' — the technique of bowling to a consistent spot to generate consistent bounce. Famous underarm bowlers: William 'Silver Billy' Beldham (1766-1862), David Harris — the greatest underarm bowlers of the 18th century, capable of consistent line and length that stumped batsmen. The transition to roundarm: in the 1820s, bowlers began raising their arm to approximately horizontal (roundarm) to generate more pace and variety. Batsmen complained the new style was unplayable. The MCC (the Laws authority) debated the change. John Willes (who reportedly developed roundarm after practising with his sister Christina, who could not bowl underarm due to her wide dress) is credited with bringing roundarm bowling to prominence — he was no-balled for it in 1822 (the first formal challenge to the new style) and left the field in protest.
Roundarm to Overarm: The 1864 Revolution
Roundarm bowling (arm swings from beside the body, approximately horizontal) was officially legalised in 1835 after the MCC amended the Laws. Roundarm bowling dominated from 1835 to the 1860s — and produced the first genuinely fast cricket bowling, the basis of the sport's development. The transition to overarm: by the 1850s-1860s, bowlers were raising their arm above horizontal (fully overarm) — the motion that produces maximum pace and varied flight. Edgar Willsher was repeatedly no-balled for overarm delivery in the late 1850s. After widespread debate (including a petition by prominent players), the MCC Laws were amended in 1864 to permit overarm bowling. This 1864 change is the foundation of modern cricket bowling — all international cricket since 1864 has been bowled overarm. W.G. Grace's entire career (1865-1908) was played under the overarm law. The change enabled fast bowling to develop further — from 1864, the development of genuine pace (late 19th century) and spin (early 20th) was enabled by the overarm action's greater shoulder and wrist rotation.
Modern Bowling Laws: What Is Required
Modern bowling requirements under the Laws of Cricket: (1) The arm must be above horizontal at the point of delivery — overarm is standard. Roundarm (horizontal) is technically legal but no professional bowler uses it. Underarm is banned in all formats (ICC playing conditions); (2) Elbow extension (Law 24.3): the bowler's arm may straighten (the elbow may extend) up to 15 degrees during the delivery action without it being classified as throwing. This 15-degree tolerance (introduced in 2004) applies to all bowlers — the human eye cannot reliably detect up to 10-12 degrees of elbow extension; (3) The no-ball constraints: front foot landing beyond the popping crease (the batting crease) is a no-ball. The bowler's back foot must land within and not touching the return crease (the side line of the pitch). Foot fault no-balls are called by the square-leg umpire; (4) The height restrictions: a bowler may not bowl a high full-pitch delivery (above waist height) without it being called a no-ball. Bouncers (short-pitched deliveries reaching head/shoulder height) are limited to 2 per over in Tests.
Frequently asked questions
When was overarm bowling legalised in cricket?
Overarm bowling was officially legalised in cricket in 1864, when the MCC (Marylebone Cricket Club, the Laws authority) amended the Laws to permit the delivery arm to swing above the level of the shoulder. Before 1864, roundarm bowling (arm approximately horizontal) was permitted from 1835. Before 1835, underarm bowling was the legal standard. The 1864 overarm legalisation is the foundation of modern cricket bowling — all international cricket since then has been played with overarm bowling. W.G. Grace, whose career began in 1865, played and bowled throughout the overarm era.
What was the 1981 underarm incident in cricket?
The 1981 underarm incident occurred on February 1, 1981, at Melbourne Cricket Ground in a one-day final between Australia and New Zealand. New Zealand needed 6 from the last ball to tie. Australian captain Greg Chappell instructed his brother Trevor Chappell to bowl the ball underarm — rolling it along the ground — making it physically impossible to hit a six. Underarm was technically legal in 1981. New Zealand's batsman blocked the delivery and threw his bat in protest. The incident caused a major diplomatic dispute between Australia and New Zealand. The ICC banned underarm bowling in limited-overs international cricket within months. It remains one of cricket's most controversial moments.
What is the maximum elbow bend allowed in cricket bowling?
Under ICC playing conditions based on the Laws of Cricket (2004 amendment), bowlers may straighten their elbow by up to 15 degrees during the delivery action without it being classified as a throw (illegal delivery). This 15-degree tolerance applies to all bowlers — biomechanical research showed that most bowlers, including fast bowlers, straighten the elbow up to 14 degrees naturally during the delivery stride, invisible to the human eye. Bowlers suspected of exceeding 15 degrees elbow extension are referred for ICC biomechanical testing. If confirmed to exceed 15 degrees, they must remodel their action or face suspension from bowling.