Cricket, a sport that emphasises technique and tradition, has experienced its fair share of unusual bowling actions over the years. Fans and competitors alike have been perplexed by these unusual styles, which have challenged the sport’s conventions. Some of these bowlers went on to become household names, while others made a mark with their eccentricities. Let’s explore the world of non-traditional bowling techniques and the players who challenged the norms.
The wrong-footed speedster is Mike Proctor.
Today’s cricket fans may recognise Mike Proctor for a different reason, but he once played for South Africa as a fearsome fast bowler. Proctor was unorthodox in every way and known for his breakneck speed. He bowled “at 100mph from mid-off off the wrong foot,” exhibiting a remarkably uncommon wrong-footed action. For a purist of cricket, this meant that he delivered the ball while stepping on his right foot.
Colin Croft: The Mysterious Caribbean
From the cricketing superpower of the Caribbean, Colin Croft brought his distinctive style to the match. He frequently blocked the umpire’s view by running in so close to the stumps, making it difficult for batsmen to pick his deliveries. Croft’s mysterious demeanour was enhanced by his unpredictable stance and the impression that he was a left-arm pacer despite using his right arm.
Muralitharan, Muttiah: The Spin Wizard
The best off-spinner in cricket history, Muttiah Muralitharan, may have had a questionable bowling motion. His bent-arm action caused controversy despite his legendary square turn on pitches around the world. Even though the ICC repeatedly refuted his actions, people were amused by his enigmatic facial expressions as he released the ball.
Sohail Tanvir: The Mystery of the Wrong-Footed
Sohail Tanvir appeared on the list of misfired bowlers along with Mike Proctor. During delivery, he landed on his left foot, which made his action stand out as peculiar.
The Contemporary Oddity: Jasprit Bumrah
Indian paceman Jasprit Bumrah added his own special flavour to the contest. His wide-arm motion is frequently characterised as unconventional, and when he jumps to bowl, his hands strike an unusual stance resembling a clock.
The Slinga Sensation is Lasith Malinga.
The slinging, round-arm technique of Lasith Malinga is legendary. He gained the moniker “Slinga” for his unconventional playing style, which helped him stand out in cricket history.
The Chinaman Mystery, by Shivil Kaushik
Similar to South African spinner Paul Adams, Shivil Kaushik rose to prominence during the Indian Premier League. Batsmen were perplexed by his peculiar action and Chinaman-style bowling delivery.
Paul Adams’ “Frog in a Blender”
During the 1996 World Cup, Paul Adams, the first master of Chinaman bowling, captured the attention of the entire world. The strange action he performed, which included a short run-up, a high jump, and a neck jerk, bewildered onlookers. Mike Gatting infamously referred to him as the “frog in a blender.”
Shiva Singh, the all-around bowler
The bowler performed a full 360-degree rotation during his run-up, but the umpire called the ball dead, so the cricketing community might have missed seeing a unique bowling action. This intriguing incident occurred on the third day of a match for the prestigious four-day domestic CK Nayudu Trophy, which featured India’s Under-23 state teams. The game in question took place in Kalyani, a city outside of Kolkata, and matched Bengal against Uttar Pradesh.
Although these unusual bowling techniques may have at first drawn criticism, they improved cricket by showcasing the variety of skills and playing methods found in the game. With their peculiarities and eccentricities, these bowlers have left their marks on cricket history, enhancing the charm and unpredictability of the game.
