Cricket stands out for its wide range of bowling techniques. It showcases the evolution of various styles over the years. One fascinating aspect is the "slowest ball." It is a clever move by bowlers that has left a significant mark on the sport's history. In this article, we delve into the origins, techniques, and impact of the slowest ball in the rich tapestry of cricket.
Definition and Importance of the Slowest Ball
In the world of cricket, the term “slowest ball” refers to when a bowler intentionally slows down their delivery. This clever move is all about tricking the batsman by throwing off the usual pace of the ball. The slowest ball has been a game-changer in critical junctures of cricket matches, frequently shifting the momentum in favor of the bowling team. Grasping its importance involves exploring the evolution of bowling techniques.
Evolution of Bowling Techniques
Back in the early days of cricket, fast bowling was all the rage, with bowlers relying on pure speed to throw off batsmen. But things got interesting with the introduction of slow bowling techniques.
Bowlers started spicing things up. They added different types of slower deliveries to their repertoire and gave their game a bit more finesse. In the mix, the slowest ball became a standout move, a strategic trick in their bag. Its impact was particularly noticeable in limited-overs formats, where batsmen were on a mission for quick runs, making adaptability a key player.
Mastering the slowest ball became a sought-after skill for bowlers. It offers them a slick strategy to outsmart even the most skilled and aggressive batsmen. This evolution not only brought a fascinating twist to the game but also highlighted the importance of clever moves in the ever-evolving world of cricket.
Ranking the 10 Slowest Ball Deliveries in the History of Cricket
1. Chris Cairns (1999)
This moment really sticks in the memory as one of those times when a batsman got completely bamboozled by a slower delivery. In the 1999 England vs. New Zealand series, Chris Read ducks to avoid what he thinks is a beamer from Chris Cairns, only to be caught off guard. The ball takes a sudden dip, surprising everyone, and ends up crashing into Read's stumps. Talk about an unexpected twist in the game!
2. Aaqib Javed (1992)
Pakistan sealed the 1992 World Cup in Australia, and Aaqib Javed pulled off a game-changing slower ball that played a pivotal role in overcoming New Zealand in the semi-final. Mark Greatbatch, the batsman in the spotlight, had been on a hot streak leading up to the match.
Greatbatch was on a roll, already smashing Aaqib and Wasim Akram for maximums. Javed decided to throw in a slower ball, initially hitting the batsman on the pad, but he got the benefit of being outside the line. On the next try, Greatbatch, thinking he had the measure of it, moved down the track but was bowled out by a brilliant slow leg cutter, misjudging the ball's trajectory. Talk about a game-changer!
3. Shoaib Akhtar (2005)
Known for unleashing the fastest recorded ball in cricket history, Shoaib Akhtar surprised many when he decided to mix things up with a slower pace. Among his slower ball deliveries, a notable instance unfolded in 2005 against England.
Facing England's skipper Michael Vaughan, Shoaib delivered a crafty slow yorker that left Vaughan completely befuddled. The English captain misread the delivery, resulting in an easy catch jabbed back to the bowler. It was a clever move by Shoaib, showcasing his versatility on the cricket stage.
4. Jasprit Bumrah (2018)
When Jasprit Bumrah decides to go easy on the speed, it's a tough challenge for any batsman. Take a trip back to 2018, when Bumrah faced off against Shaun Marsh. In an unexpected move, Bumrah tossed a ball at a recorded 113 kph, a noticeable drop from his usual lightning-fast average of 140 kph.
This change in pace left Shaun Marsh utterly confused, resulting in a clean dismissal with an LBW as the ball hit him square in front of the stumps. Handling Bumrah's slower deliveries is no walk in the park, even for the most seasoned batsmen.
5. Dwayne Bravo (2006)
This wasn't just any impressive slower ball. It turned out to be a game-changer. Picture this: It's 2006, and the West Indies are facing India in an ODI. Yuvraj Singh's stellar batting has brought India to the brink of victory.
In a tense moment, Yuvraj finds himself against Dwayne Bravo, needing just two runs from three balls with one wicket left. Bravo, slyly dropping his pace to 117 kph, throws a slow yorker that catches Yuvraj off guard, drifting into the leg stump. The unexpected twist in pace becomes a decisive factor, shaping the outcome of the match.
6. Majid Haq (2015)
Back in 2015, Scottish off-spinner Majid Haq bowled the slowest ball in the history of men's cricket, registering just 41.6 mph. What makes this unique is that it wasn't an intentionally slower ball, but rather the typical speed at which Majid usually bowls.
7. Naved-ul-Hasan (2004)
When going head-to-head with Virender Sehwag, you had to pull out all the stops to dismiss one of cricket's most destructive batters. In this particular game of the five-match ODI series between India and Pakistan, Sehwag took charge early, racking up 82 runs from 56 deliveries. Naved-ul-Hasan, the bowler tasked with the challenging job of facing Sehwag, took a beating and struggled to stay within the bowling limits.
In a bid to turn the tide, Naved pulled off a crafty move, sending down a slow yorker that tricked Sehwag and knocked the leg stump. However, the bigger picture revealed that, despite this small triumph, Naved had conceded 38 runs in just 2.1 overs, suggesting that Sehwag had ultimately come out on top in the overall battle.
8. Brett Lee (2005)
Brett Lee, the Australian fast bowler known for firing deliveries in the late 90s mph, posed a unique challenge when he decided to dial down his pace significantly. In a noteworthy incident, his victim happened to be none other than the cricket legend Brian Lara.
Lara, typically strong against the Australians, looked in command during the first innings of the test match, confidently moving into the 30s. However, with Lee struggling to make an impact with his usual pace, he switched things up and threw a much slower ball at 118 kph. This change in pace left Lara bamboozled as the ball hit his pads, leading to an LBW decision. It was a strategic move by Lee that paid off against even the best in the game.
9. Steve Harmison (2005)
Watching this footage is like hitting the replay button endlessly. It's mesmerizing. Picture the iconic Edgbaston test during the 2005 Ashes series, and for a moment, it seemed like England had clinched the win.
As Saturday evening unfolded, Steve Harmison pulled off an absolute masterpiece. It is a perfect slow off-cutter that left Michael Clarke utterly bewildered, ultimately crashing into his off stump. The sheer brilliance of that delivery makes it a moment you can't help but relive again and again.
10. Simon O’Donnell (1990)
Simon O'Donnell from Australia was one of the early bowlers to master the art of varying deliveries in One Day Cricket. His skillful display of slow ball bowling stands out, particularly in the ODI series between Australia and New Zealand in 1990. It offers some great examples of his innovative approach to the game.
Source: ItsOnlyCricket
Mastering the Slowest Ball
Nailing the slowest ball starts with getting the grip and release just right. Bowlers use different tricks. It includes subtle changes in finger positioning to slow things down as they send the ball down the pitch.
But it's not just about technique. Keeping your balance during the slow delivery is a big deal. Bowlers pay close attention to how they position their bodies to hit the mark without giving away their plans to the batsman.
And then there's the mental game. Bowlers have to read the situation and understand what the batsman is thinking. They have to decide on the spot how to make that slow ball count. So, it's not just about the technical stuff. It is a mix of skill and strategy that makes the slowest ball a real game-changer in cricket.
Also Read: How to Grip a Cricket Bat
Conclusion
The slowest ball in cricket isn't just a typical delivery. It stands as a strategic masterpiece that has significantly impacted matches and left an indelible mark on the careers of iconic bowlers. Its lasting influence persists in shaping contemporary cricket, underscoring the captivating mix of skill, strategy, and unpredictability that makes the sport truly thrilling.
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