Googly

Reggie Schwarz c1905

Alternative leg spin grip - fingers view

Alternative leg spin grip - thumb view

Googly is a term predominantly used in the sport of cricket, referring to a type of bowling delivery employed by a leg spin bowler. The googly is designed to deceive the batsman, appearing to be a standard leg spin delivery but instead turning in the opposite direction towards the batsman, akin to an off spin delivery. This unexpected turn can confuse the batsman, leading to a mistake and potentially getting them out. The invention of the googly is attributed to English cricketer Bernard Bosanquet in the early 20th century.

Origins and Development

The googly, also known as the "wrong'un" in Australia, emerged as a tactical innovation in cricket. Bernard Bosanquet, a cricketer for Middlesex and England, is credited with developing this delivery around 1900. Initially, it was met with skepticism but soon gained acceptance as an effective tool in a leg spinner's arsenal. The technique spread globally, with bowlers from various countries adopting and adapting the googly to their styles.

Technique

The key to bowling a successful googly lies in the grip and wrist action. The bowler grips the ball as if to deliver a leg spin, but at the point of release, flicks the wrist in the opposite direction. This action imparts spin that causes the ball to turn from the off side towards the leg side of a right-handed batsman, contrary to the expected direction of a leg spin. The subtlety of the wrist movement makes it difficult for the batsman to detect the variation.

Tactical Use

Bowlers use the googly sparingly to maintain its element of surprise. It is particularly effective against batsmen who are aggressive or have difficulty reading the bowler's hand. A well-timed googly can lead to a batsman being bowled, caught, or trapped leg before wicket (LBW). Mastery of the googly, along with a repertoire of other deliveries, can significantly enhance a leg spinner's effectiveness.

Notable Practitioners

Several bowlers have gained fame for their mastery of the googly, including: - Abdul Qadir (Pakistan), who revitalized leg spin in the 1980s with his extensive use of the googly. - Shane Warne (Australia), considered one of the greatest leg spin bowlers, who used the googly to great effect throughout his career. - Anil Kumble (India), although primarily a leg spinner, occasionally used the googly to add variety to his bowling.

Impact on Cricket

The googly has had a significant impact on cricket, adding a layer of complexity and psychological warfare between bowler and batsman. It has influenced how batsmen approach spin bowling, necessitating greater skill in reading a bowler's hand and technique. The googly remains a testament to the innovation within cricket, continually challenging players to adapt and evolve.