Jaffa (Unplayable Delivery)
Also known as: jaffa, jaffa in cricket, jaffa delivery, unplayable delivery, unplayable ball
A jaffa is an outstanding delivery that is almost impossible to play. It might swing late, seam sharply off the pitch or spin a long way and still hit the top of off stump. It usually comes from a fast bowler, but a spinner can bowl one too.
Batters use the word to describe a ball that would have got almost anyone out. A typical jaffa pitches on a good length in line with the stumps. Then it moves just enough to beat the bat and hit off stump or find the edge.
Getting out to a jaffa is part of cricket. It is not a technical fault. The skill is telling a jaffa apart from a dismissal you caused yourself. Ask honestly whether you could have left the ball or played it better.
Some balls become famous for being jaffas. People still talk about great deliveries that bowled top batters years later.
Tips by skill level
After you get out, ask a coach or teammate if it was a jaffa or a mistake. Their view helps you learn.
Watch the video of good balls you get out to. Even a jaffa can show whether your bat came down straight and late.
Example
The ball pitches on middle stump, seams away past the bat and clips the top of off. The batter shakes his head and says, 'What a jaffa.'
Why it matters
Knowing when you got a jaffa stops you changing a sound technique. It helps you focus on the dismissals you can actually fix.
Common mistakes
- Calling every dismissal a jaffa
- Changing your technique after one unplayable ball
- Taking an unplayable ball as a sign you are batting badly
- Ignoring a pattern because you blame bad luck
Frequently asked questions
What is a jaffa in cricket?
A jaffa is a superb, almost unplayable delivery, usually from a fast bowler. It moves late and beats even a good batter.
Is getting out to a jaffa my fault?
Usually not. A jaffa can get anyone out, so focus on dismissals that came from your own choices.
Sources
Related terms
- BowledBowled is a dismissal where the ball, delivered by the bowler, hits the stumps and dislodges at least one bail. It still counts as bowled if the ball first touches the batter's bat or body on the way to the stumps (Law 32.1.1).
- Swing BowlingSwing bowling makes a fast-bowled ball curve sideways in the air, toward the batter (inswing) or away (outswing). The angled seam, helped by keeping one side shiny, makes the air flow differently over the two sides of the ball.
- Seam BowlingSeam bowling is a style of pace bowling where the ball is gripped so the seam is upright and the ball lands on the seam. This causes it to deviate unpredictably off the pitch.
- Playing Swing and Seam BowlingTo play swing and seam bowling, know where your off stump is and leave balls you do not need to play. Watch the seam and shine in the bowler's hand, then play late under your eyes with a straight bat and soft hands. Let the ball come to you instead of reaching for it.
- Getting Out of a Batting SlumpTo get out of a batting slump, first look at how you have been getting out. A repeated dismissal points to one technical fix. A mix of good balls and bad luck often just needs patience. Go back to basics, bat for time in the nets and judge yourself on balls faced, not runs, until confidence returns.
Cricket analysis is in development
Motion Lab does not analyze this sport yet. Keep exploring the terms in this section.