In the world of cricket, spinners have a variety of deliveries at their disposal, with the Googly and the Doosra being two of the most renowned.
Both deliveries aim to deceive batters, but they differ significantly in technique, direction, and history.
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Google: The Leg Spinner’s Weapon
A googly is a leg-spinner’s surprise delivery, spinning the ball in the opposite direction of their usual leg break. A typical leg break for a right-handed batter moves away from the batter and rotates from the leg side to the off side.
However, a googly spins from the off side to the leg side, moving into the batter, despite using the same bowling action.
The googly was invented by English cricketer Bernard Bosanquet in the early 1900s. Initially created for entertainment, Bosanquet began using it in matches after retiring from fast bowling.
It was during Lord Hawke’s 1902 tour of Australia and New Zealand that the phrase “googly” appeared in print for the first time. It gained significant attention after a series of successful wickets, also known as “Bosey” at the time.
Doosra: The Off Spinner’s Innovation
A doosra, on the other hand, is an off-spinner’s delivery that spins the ball in the opposite direction of their usual off-break. For a right-handed batter, a conventional off-break spins from the off side to the leg side, moving into the batter.
A doosra spins from the leg side to the off side, moving away from the batter, without altering the bowler’s action significantly.
The doosra is a more recent innovation, credited to Pakistani bowler Saqlain Mushtaq during Pakistan’s 1999-2000 tour of Australia. The term “doosra” means “the second one” or “the other one” in Hindustani and was coined by Pakistani wicketkeeper Moin Khan.
The phrase was popularized by TV commentator Tony Greig, who connected it to Saqlain’s mysterious new delivery.
Key Differences and Controversies
The primary difference between the googly and the doosra lies in their spin direction and the type of bowler delivering them. The googly is delivered by a leg-spinner and spins from left to right, while the doosra is bowled by an off-spinner and spins from right to left.
The doosra is considered more difficult to bowl legally compared to the googly. This has led to controversy, with some cricket officials and fans questioning the legitimacy of certain bowlers’ actions. In 2009, Australian cricket officials decided not to teach young spinners how to bowl the doosra due to the challenges in maintaining a legal bowling action.
Similarities and Strategies
Despite their differences, both deliveries aim to surprise and deceive the batter. Bowlers must conceal their grip and maintain consistent action to avoid giving away the delivery. Overusing these deliveries can diminish their effectiveness, as batsmen may start to recognize subtle changes in the bowler’s action.
Notable Bowlers of Googly and Doosra
Several bowlers have mastered these deliveries. Often considered the greatest leg-spinner, Shane Warne of Australia effectively used the googly, known in Australia as the “wrong ‘un.” India’s Anil Kumble and Pakistan’s Abdul Qadir are also renowned for their googly skills.
Saqlain Mushtaq is a notable name for the doosra, along with Sri Lanka’s Muttiah Muralitharan, who holds the record for the most Test wickets. However, bowlers like Saeed Ajmal of Pakistan and Harbhajan Singh of India have faced scrutiny over their doosra deliveries.
Final Thoughts
In cricket, the googly and the doosra are vital tools for spin spinners.
While the googly is relatively easier to master, the doosra presents more challenges in terms of legality. When used effectively, both deliveries can be game-changers, adding excitement and unpredictability to the sport.
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