Cricket is often referred to as the gentleman’s game, but its rules tend to favor batters. Free hits, powerplays, and the use of two new balls in ODIs give an advantage to batting. Even close decisions often lean toward batters. With pitches designed for batting, bowlers have had to come up with new strategies. This necessity led to the creation of one of spin bowling’s most interesting techniques, the carrom-ball.
What is a carrom-ball?
The carrom-ball is a type of delivery used by spinners to trick batters. On flat pitches, it tends to go straight after pitching, while on turning surfaces, it can sharply move away from right-handed batters. This unpredictability makes it a potent weapon, capable of resulting in bowled, lbw, and caught behind dismissals.
Carrom-ball grip and release
The grip for the carrom-ball is unique. The index finger is placed on the seam, the thumb supports the ball beneath, and the middle finger is slightly tucked below the seam. At the moment of release, the middle finger flicks the ball out, similar to hitting a striker in the game of carrom. This flick creates the distinctive spin and path of the delivery.
Who coined the term carrom-ball?
The exact origin of the term is uncertain, but Sri Lankan lawyer Mahendra Mapagunaratne is generally credited with coming up with the name carrom-ball.
Who popularised the carrom-ball?
The carrom-ball was brought into the spotlight by Sri Lanka’s mystery spinner Ajantha Mendis, who perfected the technique and used it to outsmart several top players, including Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman.
Iconic carrom-ball dismissals
One memorable carrom-ball dismissal occurred during the 2014 World T20 semifinal in Dhaka, when India’s Ravichandran Ashwin deceived South Africa’s opener Hashim Amla. Bowling from around the wicket, Ashwin delivered a well-disguised carrom-ball that pitched well outside the leg-stump.