In the world of cricket, the terms “googly” and “wrong’un” are often used interchangeably, causing confusion among fans and players alike. A googly, also known as a wrong’un or Bosie, is a type of delivery bowled by a right-arm leg-spin bowler that turns in the opposite direction to the leg-spinner’s stock delivery.
This article will explore the technical aspects of the googly, its deceptive nature, and its origin.
The Deceptive Nature of the Googly
The googly is a leg-spinner’s most prized weapon, as it is designed to deceive the batsman. When a right-arm leg-spinner bowls a normal leg-break, the ball pitches and turns from the leg side to the off side of a right-handed batsman. However, when bowling a googly, the ball turns in the opposite direction, from off to leg, while maintaining a similar flight path and appearance to the leg-break.
This deception lies at the heart of the googly’s effectiveness. Batsmen, anticipating the ball to turn away from them, are caught off guard when the ball instead turns sharply towards them, often resulting in a mishit or a wicket.
The Technical Aspects of Bowling a Googly
To execute a googly, the leg-spinner must master a specific grip and wrist position. Unlike a standard leg-break, which is bowled with the palm of the hand facing the batsman, a googly is delivered out of the back of the hand, with the wrist rotated 180 degrees to the ground.
The grip for a googly is similar to that of a leg-break, with the seam running across the fingers. However, the key difference lies in the position of the wrist. By rotating the wrist so that the back of the hand faces the batsman, the bowler can impart counterclockwise spin on the ball, causing it to turn from off to leg.
To bowl a wrong’un, the leg-spinner grips the ball with the seam running across the fingers, and the back of the hand facing the batsman. The middle and index fingers are spread slightly apart, with the ball resting on the third finger. The wrist is cocked back, and the ball is released with a flick of the fingers and a snap of the wrist, causing the ball to rotate clockwise and spin from left to right.
The Importance of Disguise
The success of a googly relies heavily on the bowler’s ability to disguise the delivery. The best leg-spinners can bowl a googly with the same arm speed, action, and flight as their standard leg-break, making it nearly impossible for the batsman to detect the variation.
To achieve this level of disguise, leg-spinners must maintain a consistent release point and arm speed while secretly manipulating the wrist to impart the necessary spin. The slightest variation in the bowler’s action can alert the batsman to the impending googly, reducing its effectiveness.
The Origin of the Googly
The googly was invented by Bernard Bosanquet, an English cricketer, in the early 1900s. Bosanquet, a right-arm leg-spinner, discovered that by bowling the ball out of the back of his hand, he could make it turn in the opposite direction to his standard leg-break.
The delivery was initially met with skepticism and even accusations of cheating. However, as more and more leg-spinners began to experiment with the googly, it became an accepted and invaluable part of the leg-spinner’s arsenal.
The term “googly” is believed to have originated from the Hindustani word “guglee,” meaning “to deceive” or “to trick.” The alternative name “Bosie” is a reference to Bosanquet himself, acknowledging his role in the invention of this deceptive delivery.
The Googly in Modern Cricket
In modern cricket, the googly remains a crucial weapon for leg-spinners across all formats of the game. The ability to bowl a well-disguised googly can make a leg-spinner a formidable opponent, as batsmen must constantly be on guard against the unexpected turn.
Some of the most successful leg-spinners in cricket history, such as Shane Warne, Abdul Qadir, and Anil Kumble, were renowned for their mastery of the googly. These bowlers used the delivery to great effect, often bamboozling batsmen and picking up crucial wickets.
However, the googly is not without its challenges. The unorthodox wrist position required to bowl the delivery can put additional strain on the bowler’s wrist and fingers, increasing the risk of injury. Additionally, the googly is generally bowled at a slower pace than the leg-break, making it easier for batsmen to adjust if they detect the variation early.
The Off-Spinner’s Equivalent: The Doosra
While the googly is a variation used by leg-spinners, off-spinners have their own equivalent delivery called the doosra. The doosra is a delivery that spins in the opposite direction to the off-spinner’s stock ball, making it similar in principle to the googly. However, the doosra is bowled with a different grip and wrist action compared to the googly.
Conclusion
The googly, or wrong’un, is a fascinating and deceptive delivery that has been an integral part of leg-spin bowling for over a century. By understanding the technical aspects of the googly, including the grip, wrist position, and the importance of disguise, one can appreciate the skill and artistry required to execute this delivery effectively.
While the googly may be known by different names, its purpose remains the same: to deceive the batsman and take wickets. As cricket continues to evolve, the googly will undoubtedly remain a vital weapon in the leg-spinner’s arsenal, testing the skills and temperament of batsmen around the world.