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In cricket, the term around the wicket in cricket refers to a bowling delivery approach where the bowler changes their position to bowl from the side of the batsman, rather than the more common “over the wicket” approach where the bowler delivers the ball from the opposite side of the batsman.
Around the wicket is a term in cricket that refers to the line of attack chosen by a bowler in relation to the batsman’s position. When a bowler is said to be bowling around the wicket, it means they are delivering the ball from a position on the opposite side of the batsman’s body compared to their usual stance.
Here’s what you need to know about the around the wicket bowling tactic
Change in Angle: When a bowler chooses to go around the wicket in cricket, they are essentially altering the angle from which they deliver the ball. Instead of coming from the side where they would normally bowl “over the wicket,” they move to the other side (the opposite side of the batsman) to bowl.
Variation Tactic: Bowling around the wicket is often used as a variation tactic to create a different line and length of attack. It can be particularly effective against batsmen who have dominant or established off-stump guards.
Off-Side Line: For right-arm bowlers, going around the wicket in cricket to a right-handed batsman means that the ball will be pitched on the leg side (or outside the leg stump) and move towards the off side after pitching. This change in trajectory can surprise the batsman and make it challenging to play the delivery.
Angle of Attack: Bowlers may choose to go around the wicket to exploit any perceived weaknesses in the batsman’s technique. By changing the angle of attack, they can target different areas of the pitch and create uncertainty for the batsman.
Variety of Deliveries: Bowlers can use a wide range of deliveries when going around the wicket in cricket, including inswingers, outswingers, yorkers, bouncers, and slower balls. Each delivery aims to exploit the batsman’s vulnerabilities from the new angle.
Facing Challenges: Batsmen often face unique challenges when bowlers switch to the around the wicket line of attack. They must adjust their stance, guard, and shot selection to counter the new angle and line of delivery.
Leg Spin Variation: In addition to fast bowlers, even leg-spinners and other spin bowlers can opt to bowl “around the wicket” to create angles that make it difficult for batsmen to read the turn or trajectory of the ball.
Tactical Decision: The decision to bowl around the wicket is often made by the captain or the bowler based on the specific match situation, the batsman’s strengths and weaknesses, and the condition of the pitch.
In summary, around the wicket is a strategic bowling tactic in cricket that involves changing the angle of delivery to create variation, challenge the batsman’s technique, and potentially take wickets.
It is one of several tactics bowlers use to outsmart their opponents and contribute to their team’s success.