In cricket, what is a "part-time bowler"?
VerifiedAnswer: A player whose main role is not bowling, but bowls intermittently.
Explanation:
A part-time bowler in cricket is essentially a player who contributes to the bowling attack but isn't considered one of the team's main bowling options. These players typically have other primary roles in the team - they might be specialist batsmen, wicket-keepers, or all-rounders who are better known for their batting abilities.
The captain usually brings part-time bowlers into the attack when the regular bowlers need a break, when they want to change the pace of the game, or when they're looking for a breakthrough wicket. Sometimes these bowlers can be surprisingly effective because batsmen might not expect their bowling style or may take them lightly.
Part-time bowlers come in various forms. Some might bowl medium-pace deliveries, while others might try their hand at spin bowling. Their bowling might not have the same pace, accuracy, or variety as specialist bowlers, but they can still be valuable team assets. In limited-overs cricket, they often help complete the quota of overs when the main bowlers have finished their allocations.
Famous examples include top-order batsmen who occasionally bowl a few overs, or wicket-keepers who might roll their arm over when needed. These players add flexibility to team selection and can provide unexpected options during crucial moments of the match. Their intermittent bowling role makes them different from regular bowlers who are expected to bowl significant portions of each innings.
