Doosra
Also known as: doosra, the doosra, doosra delivery, picking the doosra, off-spinner doosra
The 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.
Doosra is a Hindi and Urdu word meaning "the other one". The stock off-break turns from off to leg for a right-hander. The doosra spins the other way, from leg to off, with the wrist turned so the back of the hand faces the batter. To a left-hander it turns into the body.
The doosra is legal when it is bowled with a fair action. Under Law 21.2 the elbow must not straighten from the moment the arm reaches shoulder level until the ball leaves the hand. International cricket follows ICC playing conditions instead. They allow up to 15 degrees of elbow extension. Bowling the doosra within those limits is difficult. Many off-spinners do not use it.
Batters look for clues. At release the back of the hand tends to face the batter. Some bowlers also change their pace or run-up slightly. The seam spins the other way in the air. If you cannot read it from the hand, play late and watch the ball off the pitch. Defending with the bat in front of the pad covers both directions.
Tips by skill level
Ask a spinner at your club to mix off-breaks with a few balls that turn the other way. Call "in" or "away" as each one is released.
Watch video of the bowler before the match and note their wrist position for each ball. Some give away the doosra with a change of pace or angle.
Example
The off-spinner's first five balls turn into the right-hander. The sixth looks the same, but the back of his hand faces the batter at release. She reads it, plays late, and the ball spins past the outside edge.
Why it matters
A doosra you cannot read can lead to an edge or a stumping. Learning the cues turns a mystery ball into one you can play.
Common mistakes
- Committing to play with the turn before the ball has pitched
- Watching the bowler's body instead of the hand at release
- Playing with the pad in front of the bat
- Charging down the pitch without reading the ball first
Frequently asked questions
How do you pick a doosra?
Watch the bowler's hand at release. For the doosra, the back of the hand usually faces you more than for the off-break. If you cannot read it in the air, play late with the bat in front of the pad.
What is a doosra in cricket?
It is an off-spinner's variation that turns the other way to the off-break. To a right-hander it spins away, from leg to off. The name means "the other one" in Hindi and Urdu.
Why is the doosra hard to bowl legally?
Under Law 21.2 the elbow must not straighten from shoulder level to release. ICC playing conditions for international cricket allow up to 15 degrees of extension. Bowling the doosra within that limit is difficult.
Sources
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Carrom BallA 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.
- 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.
- StumpedA batter is out stumped if the wicket-keeper breaks the wicket while they are out of their ground and not attempting a run. No other fielder may be involved. You cannot be stumped off a no ball, but you can be stumped off a wide. Keep part of your bat or body grounded behind the popping crease.
Cricket analysis is in development
Motion Lab does not analyze this sport yet. Keep exploring the terms in this section.