Have you ever come across the term — Carrom Ball? No, the board game is not what I am referring to.
A carrom ball is one of the most popular variations in the off-spinner’s arsenal. But what exactly is a carrom ball, and who was the one that came up with it in the first place?
Okay, let’s reveal the secrets surrounding the carrom ball.
Carrom Ball: Flicking the Batters a Surprise
The game of cricket has completely changed throughout the years, while spinners have gone through the same fate. The off-spinners have also gone through the same process and one of their main variations is the carrom ball delivery.
The off-spinners use it to the fullest mainly to surprise the batters and get them out. Ajantha Mendis and Ravichandran Ashwin are among the famous spinners who have used it to great effect, thus misleading the batters.
Read Also :- What Is a Mid Wicket In Cricket?
Now, the next question is: How is the carrom ball delivered?
The off-spinner’s grip on the ball is such that he uses his thumb, index finger, and the bent of his middle finger at the same time. The bowler’s hold is very close to that of a carrom player about to flick the disc.
Just like when anyone flicks the carrom disc, the off-spinner also flicks the ball in a similar manner.
The element of surprise now is in the direction of the ball’s turning. It all depends on how the bowler grips the ball, and it may turn to the leg side, off side, or continue in the same line after pitching.
This unique feature renders the variation a deadly weapon in the hands of a bowler. And furthermore, the carrom ball may even be the reason why off-spinners get some very important wickets.
Who Invented the Carrom Ball?
The carrom ball is said to be invented by the Australian cricketer Jack Iverson who started using it in the late 1940s and 1950s. During that time the Australia Test team had a great bowler in Iverson who at times made the ball leap and turn almost like a rubber ball.
Later, John Gleeson, another left-arm spin bowler from Australia, also had this variation in his repertoire during the 1960s but somehow the variation went unnoticed, as if it never existed at all.
During the late 1990s, Rangana Herath of Sri Lanka though not really using it much at that time brought the carrom ball back into the cricketing scene. The next up was the mystery spinner from the island nation Ajantha Mendis who quickly gained the reputation as he was very effective with his carrom balls.
The likes of Ravi Ashwin and Sunil Narine are considered to be the best carrom ball exponents today.
