In cricket, which term describes a bowler's best possible delivery aimed at the base of the stumps?
VerifiedAnswer: Yorker
Explanation:
A yorker is considered one of the most challenging and effective deliveries in cricket. This delivery is bowled with such precision that it pitches right at the base of the stumps, making it extremely difficult for the batsman to hit effectively. The ball lands at the batsman's feet, leaving very little room for them to get underneath it or play their preferred shots.
When executed perfectly, a yorker becomes almost impossible to score runs from. Batsmen struggle to get their bat underneath the ball, which means they cannot lift it over the fielders or drive it powerfully along the ground. This makes the yorker particularly valuable in limited-overs cricket, especially during the death overs when runs are at a premium and bowlers need to restrict scoring.
The delivery gets its name from the Yorkshire county cricket team, where it was first popularized. However, bowling a perfect yorker requires exceptional skill and practice. If the ball is even slightly off target - either too full (becoming a full toss) or too short (becoming a half-volley) - it can be easily punished by skilled batsmen.
Many legendary fast bowlers like Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, and Lasith Malinga became famous for their ability to bowl devastating yorkers consistently. In modern cricket, the yorker has become an essential weapon for bowlers, particularly in T20 cricket where containing runs is crucial for team success.
