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Arm ball is a term used in cricket to describe a type of delivery bowled by spin bowlers, especially finger spinners (those who use their fingers to impart spin on the ball).
Here are some key points about the arm ball in cricket
Definition: An arm ball in cricket is a delivery bowled by a spin bowler that does not spin or turns very little. It is typically bowled with a more flatter trajectory and is designed to deceive the batsman by not spinning as expected.
Spin Bowling Variation: The arm ball is a variation used by spin bowlers to deceive the batsman. While traditional spin deliveries turn either away from the batsman (off-spin) or into the batsman (leg-spin), the arm ball does not spin significantly, making it difficult for the batsman to read the delivery.
Grip and Release: To bowl the arm ball, a spinner maintains a similar grip and action to their stock delivery. The key difference lies in the seam position and the release. The bowler imparts little or no spin on the ball, keeping the seam in a position that prevents the ball from spinning appreciably.
Deception: The effectiveness of the arm ball lies in its ability to deceive the batsman, who might expect the ball to spin but finds it continuing straight instead. Batsmen often play for the turn and can be surprised by the delivery skidding through or angling into them, leading to mistimed shots or missed opportunities to score.
Variation of Pace: Skillful bowlers can also vary the pace of the arm ball, making it even harder for the batsman to pick the variation. A well-disguised slower arm ball can deceive batsmen attempting to play aggressive shots.
Wicket-Taking Delivery: The arm ball in cricket is a valuable weapon for spin bowlers, especially when the pitch conditions are conducive to turn. Batsmen are more likely to make mistakes when they misjudge the spin or lack thereof, leading to wickets for the bowler.
Used Against Both Right and Left-Handed Batsmen: Spinners often use the arm ball against both right-handed and left-handed batsmen. Its ability to go straight makes it effective against players of either orientation.
Practice and Skill: Bowling an effective arm ball requires practice and skill. Bowlers need to master the seam position, control, and subtle variations in speed to make the delivery challenging for batsmen.
In summary, the arm ball is a deceptive delivery used by spin bowlers to outfox batsmen by denying them the expected turn. Its straight trajectory and skidding nature make it a valuable variation in a spinner’s arsenal, enabling them to take wickets and build pressure on the batting side.