spin bowler

spin bowler

A spin bowler delivers the ball with a twisting motion.

Definition

Noun: In the sport of cricket, a "spin bowler" is a type of bowler who delivers the ball with a spinning motion, typically using wrist or finger movements to make the ball deviate from its straight path after bouncing, aiming to deceive the batsman.

Usage Examples
  • (The bowler who spins the ball successfully dismissed three batsmen.)
  • (The bowler uses changes in speed and spin direction to confuse the opponent.)
Advanced Usage
  • "to turn the ball": a skill of a spin bowler to make the ball change direction after bouncing.

    • The spin bowler turned the ball sharply from the leg side to the off side. (The ball deviated significantly after hitting the pitch.)
  • "flight of the ball": the trajectory or arc of the ball delivered by a spin bowler, often used to deceive the batsman.

    • The spin bowler deceived the batsman with the flight of the ball, causing him to misjudge the shot. (The bowler's arcing delivery tricked the batter.)
Variants and Related Words
  • Spin (n): the rotational motion of the ball.

    • The spin on the ball made it difficult to catch. (The rotation affected the ball's behaviour.)
  • Bowler (n): a player who delivers the ball in cricket.

    • The fast bowler was replaced by a spin bowler. (A different type of bowler took over.)
Synonyms
  • Turn bowler: a less common term for a spin bowler who emphasizes sideways deviation.
  • Finger spinner: a spin bowler who primarily uses finger movement to spin the ball (contrast with wrist spinner).
  • Wrist spinner: a spin bowler who uses wrist action to generate spin (e.g., leg-spinner).
Related Idioms
  • "Spin a web": in cricket metaphor, to create a deceptive or intricate strategy, similar to a spin bowler's art.

    • The spin bowler spun a web around the batsmen, taking four wickets. (The bowler trapped the batsmen with clever bowling.)
  • "Turn the tables": though not cricket-specific, it can relate to a spin bowler's ability to change the game's momentum.

    • The spin bowler turned the tables on the opposing team with a brilliant spell. (The bowler reversed the match's direction.)