In cricket, what is a "carrom ball"?
VerifiedAnswer: A cricket delivery flicked with the middle finger, causing it to go straight or drift late.
Explanation:
The carrom ball is one of cricket's most innovative and deceptive deliveries, taking its name from the popular board game carrom. Just like flicking a carrom coin across the board, this bowling technique involves using the middle finger to impart a unique spin on the cricket ball.
The technique requires the bowler to hold the ball between the thumb and the bent middle finger, with the index finger providing support. The ball is released by flicking the middle finger across the seam, similar to how you would flick a carrom coin. This creates a spinning motion that makes the ball behave unpredictably in flight and after bouncing.
What makes the carrom ball so effective is its deceptive nature. To the batsman, the bowling action looks similar to a regular off-spin delivery, but the ball can:
• Go straight on without turning (like a faster ball) • Drift away from the batsman in the air • Turn in the opposite direction to what's expected • Bounce at an unexpected height or angle
The carrom ball gained popularity in modern cricket, particularly in limited-overs formats, thanks to bowlers like Ajantha Mendis from Sri Lanka and later Ravichandran Ashwin from India. These spinners used the delivery to great effect, often leaving batsmen completely puzzled about which way the ball would turn.
Learning the carrom ball requires significant practice as the flicking action puts strain on the middle finger and wrist. The bowler must master the timing and strength of the flick to achieve the desired effect consistently. It's considered an advanced bowling technique that adds variety to a spinner's arsenal and keeps batsmen guessing throughout the innings.
