Spin Bowling Basics — How Spinners Take Wickets in Cricket
An introduction to spin bowling: how finger spin and wrist spin work, how balls turn, the role of flight and drift, and why spin is the dominant weapon in Test cricket on most pitches.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between off spin and leg spin?
Off spin (finger spin) is bowled by a right-arm bowler rotating the ball with the index finger — the ball turns from off stump toward leg stump (into a right-handed batter). Leg spin (wrist spin) is bowled by rotating the ball off the back of the hand — the ball turns from leg stump toward off stump (away from a right-handed batter), which is more difficult to bowl but also harder to read.
Why is spin bowling so effective in cricket?
Spin is effective because it creates doubt in the batter's mind about the ball's true path — the ball may turn either way, and the amount of turn is unpredictable. On deteriorating pitches, spin becomes almost unplayable. Spinners also give the bowling side an alternative attack that can work when fast bowlers have tired or the pitch offers no help to pace.
What is a doosra in cricket spin bowling?
The doosra (Urdu for 'the other one') is an off-spin delivery that turns the opposite way to the standard off break — that is, it turns away from a right-handed batter. It was developed and controversially associated with Muttiah Muralitharan and Saqlain Mushtaq. The ICC placed significant scrutiny on the delivery because of the arm position required to bowl it legally.