Carrom Ball
Also known as: carrom ball, carom ball, flicked delivery, finger flick delivery, picking the carrom ball
A carrom ball is a spin delivery flicked out between the thumb and a bent middle finger, like flicking a striker in the board game carrom. From a right-arm finger spinner, it usually turns away from a right-handed batter or goes straight on. To pick it, watch for the fingers flicking out sideways at release.
The ball is held between the thumb and a bent middle finger. At release the finger flicks it out. That produces spin without the wrist turn of a leg-break. Depending on the angle of the flick, it can turn away from a right-hander, skid on straight or barely turn. The bowling arm looks much like the stock off-break.
Batters pick it from the hand. The fingers often flick out sideways at release instead of rolling over the top of the ball. The ball may come out flatter and quicker. If you cannot read it, play late off the pitch and keep the bat in front of the pad.
It is a mystery ball because it breaks the pattern batters expect from a finger spinner. A right-hander set to play the off-break can edge a carrom ball to slip. Footwork helps. Getting right forward smothers the spin. Going right back gives time to see which way it turns.
Tips by skill level
When you face a new finger spinner, watch only the hand for the first over. Look for any ball that comes out with a sideways flick.
Note the pace of each ball. A carrom ball often comes out a little flatter or quicker. That can be a clue even when the hand is hard to see.
Example
Expecting the off-break, the batter plays inside the line. The ball comes out of the bowler's flicking fingers, skids on with the angle and takes the outside edge.
Why it matters
Finger spinners with a carrom ball can beat both edges. Knowing the cue at release helps you avoid being fooled by it.
Common mistakes
- Playing for the off-break on every ball from a finger spinner
- Watching the pitch instead of the hand at release
- Pushing at the ball in front of the body
- Charging the bowler without reading the variation first
Frequently asked questions
What is a carrom ball in cricket?
It is a spin delivery flicked out between the thumb and a bent middle finger. From a right-arm off-spinner it often turns away from a right-hander or goes straight on. The name comes from the board game carrom.
How do you pick a carrom ball?
Watch the bowler's fingers at release. A carrom ball is flicked out sideways instead of rolled over the top of the ball. If you cannot see it, play late and keep your bat in front of your pad.
Related terms
- Off-SpinOff-spin is finger-spin bowling that turns the ball from off to leg, toward a right-handed batter. It uses the fingers, not the wrist, and its stock delivery is the off-break.
- DoosraThe doosra is an off-spinner's variation that turns the opposite way to the stock off-break, away from a right-handed batter. To pick it, watch the bowler's hand at release. The back of the hand usually faces the batter more than for the off-break. If you cannot read it in the air, play late and watch it off the pitch.
- Playing Spin BowlingTo play spin bowling, watch the bowler's hand to read which way the ball will turn and pick up the length early. Be decisive with your feet. Go right forward to smother the spin at the pitch, or right back to play it late off the pitch. Keep your bat in front of your pad and score by playing with the turn.
- GooglyA googly is a leg-spinner's wrist-spin delivery that turns the opposite way to the stock ball, toward a right-hander. An identical action disguises it.
- Leg-SpinLeg-spin is spin bowling where a right-arm bowler spins the ball from leg to off: away from a right-handed batter, or left to right as that batter sees it. The bowler's wrist rotation provides the spin.
- Playing the Ball LatePlaying the ball late means meeting it close to your body, under your eyes, instead of reaching out in front for it. Your feet and backlift still move early. Only the contact happens late. It gives swing and seam less chance to beat you. It also keeps any edges soft.
Cricket analysis is in development
Motion Lab does not analyze this sport yet. Keep exploring the terms in this section.