Different Types of Leg Spin Bowling Variations | Explained

Spin bowling is a skill that is highly regarded in the game of cricket. Leg spinners, who are renowned for their capacity to generate substantial turn and bounce, play a crucial role in the team and are particularly important.

Leg spinners use a variety of variations in their bowling arsenal to confuse batters and improve their efficacy. Let’s examine the many types of leg spin bowling variations and see how they give the game an intriguing new dimension.

1. Googly

A leg spinner’s most well-known and deceiving variety is undoubtedly the googly. The same motion as a leg spin is used to bowl it, but the ball spins in the opposite direction.

The googly makes a turn from the off side towards the leg side rather than the other way around. Batsmen may become confused by this abrupt shift in direction, which frequently results in wickets. And Rashid Khan is a master at bowling googlies to batters.

2. Top Spinner

In this variation, the leg spinner adds additional topspin to the ball. The leg spinner makes the ball bounce higher and dip quicker by firmly rotating their wrist, making it challenging for batters to predict its trajectory. The batter may be misled by the top spinner, leading to errant shots or edges.

3. Flipper

After pitching, this low-trajectory delivery immediately skids through the air. Backspin is used to bowl it, making the ball skid and remain low to the ground.

The flipper is difficult to pick since it spins rarely and can catch batters off guard with its speed and bounce. On pitches with inconsistent bounce, it works very well.

Must Read: What is the difference between a googly and a flipper?

4. Slider

The slider is a delivery style in which the pitcher pitches first and then slides straight on. Similar to leg spin, but with less wrist movement, the bowl is delivered.

The slider is used to trick the batter since they anticipate the ball spinning, but it mostly stays on course. Using this version, batsmen may be caught in front of the wicket.

5. Leg Break 

The stock delivery of a leg spinner is known as a leg break. Leg spin is used to bowl it, and it spins from the leg side to the off side.

A leg-spinner’s main delivery is the leg-break, and they rely on its bounce and turn to challenge the batsman. On receptive wickets, the leg break can spin fast, making it challenging for the batters to gauge the line and length.

6. Pace Adjustments

In addition to the various spinning variants, leg spinners also use pace adjustments to throw the batsman off balance. They have the ability to bowl in the air more slowly, enticing the batsman to play too soon and mistime his shots. On the other side, they are also capable of bowling faster deliveries that catch the batsman off guard.

Final Thoughts

Leg spinners are skilled artists who frequently test out novel ideas in an effort to perplex the batter. They are a potent tool in any bowling lineup due to their capacity to mislead, produce spin, and extract bounce.

These versions must, however, be refined through countless hours of practise and talent. To successfully execute these variants, leg spinners need to have high awareness of their grip, wrist position, and release positions.

The numerous varieties of leg-spinners give the game of cricket an intriguing depth. Leg spin bowling has developed into an art form as a result of the googly, top spinner, flipper, slider, leg break, and tempo variations.

The batters face different difficulties with each variation, which forces them to constantly adapt and make split-second judgements. Leg spinners are essential for building tension, supporting their team, and giving cricket fans around the world fascinating moments.

Read Next: The Ten Greatest Spin Bowlers of All Time in Cricket