Cricket is often seen as a batter’s game, especially with the evolution of T20 cricket, which has emphasized the importance of run-scoring. However, bowlers have also made significant contributions with innovative techniques to restrict runs.
Some bowlers have adopted peculiar styles that not only attract attention but also enhance their performance. Here are five of the weirdest bowling actions in cricket history
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5 Weirdest Bowling Actions In Cricket History
1. Paul Adams
Style: Chinaman bowler
Country: South Africa
Paul Adams is well-known for his peculiar bowling action, which involves an erratic motion of his head and body at the point of delivery. Despite this, he managed to maintain remarkable accuracy. Adams made his debut in 1995 and took 163 wickets in 69 games for South Africa, accumulating a total of 505 wickets in all forms of cricket before retiring in 2004.
2. Lasith Malinga
Style: Sling-arm pacer
Country: Sri Lanka
Lasith Malinga‘s slingshot release confuses batsmen around the globe. His point of release, where his hand is ahead of the umpire, along with his accurate and powerful yorkers, makes him a deadly pacer. Highlights of Malinga’s career include capturing four wickets in four balls during the 2007 ICC World Cup and replicating the feat in a T20I against New Zealand in 2019. The veteran cricketer has taken 1093 wickets, with his unique style continuing to challenge opponents.
3. Jasprit Bumrah
Style: Straight-arm bowler with a short run-up
Country: India
Jasprit Bumrah is known for his peculiar straight-arm action and short run-up, which challenge batters. Starting his international career in 2016, Bumrah quickly became known for his exquisite yorkers and slower balls. Despite injuries in 2020, his pressure-handling ability and skill have solidified his place as one of the best bowlers in the Indian team.
4. Sohail Tanvir
Style: Unconventional left-arm pacer
Country: Pakistan
Sohail Tanvir, nicknamed “Pankhaa” in Pakistan, is known for his unconventional action where he bowls with the incorrect foot leading. He rolls his arms over twice before delivering the ball, baffling many batters. Since his debut in the 2007 T20 World Cup, Tanvir has taken 130 wickets in 121 matches for Pakistan. He continues to play in domestic tournaments such as the Pakistan Super League.
5. Mmoloki Mooketsi
Style: Unorthodox with a three-step pause
Country: Botswana
Mmoloki Mooketsi from Botswana has taken bowling innovation to new heights with his action involving three steps and a pause intended to break the batsman’s concentration. During the 2018 ICC World Twenty20 Africa Region Qualifier C, Mooketsi’s bizarre style proved effective, conceding only 7 runs in three overs and taking 2 wickets, helping his side to a 123-run victory over Mozambique.
These bowlers, with their unconventional actions, have perplexed batsmen and made a profound impact on their teams. Their success demonstrates that deviations from the norm in cricket can lead to remarkable achievements.
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