HINTS TO BOWLERS

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 1, Issue 128, 22 January 1932, Page 7

HINTS TO BOWLERS

VARIATION OF FLIGHT AND PACE In order to obtain variation of flight, the same run and action as ordinarily used should be made, but the bait should leave the hand from just behind, and not in front of the head, as is done when del'ivering the ordinary ball. This will make the ball "hold back," and will give it a more deceptive flight, often with disastrous results to the unwary batsman's wickets. In many matches, a bowler will be seen endeavouring to surprise the batsman by bowling a faster ball than ! his usual, but young howlers invariably advertise the fact by endeavouring to obtain this by use of a longer or a faster run to the wicket, where they more or less stop dead before delivering the ball, the result being wasted energy. The correct way to do' this is to again employ the ordinary run to the wicket, pace being obtained by bringing the foot down more heavily and putting plenty of body work into the effort of delivering the ball. The head should be kept erect. Spin And Swerve To obtain spin the ball must be held properly and the fingers brought into use, the seam of the ball being visible between the first two fingers with the first finger slightly lower than the second. Then dig the first finger well in and spin away from you as you bring your arm over. It should be remembered, however, that the cultivation of spin is practically useless unless it is possible to control the length of your deliveries. The same hold is used for the swerve, the first finger being held closer to the seam and the thumb held elear from under the seam. The ball should not be held too firmly, and in delivering the arm should swing over freely. The bowler should not be disheartened if on some days he fails to secure the swerve, as atmospheric conditions, and particularly lack of wind will play a laxge part in the effectiveness of this bowl. For this reason it is a difficult ball for a bowler and he must necessarily take intp eonsiderqtipn these conditions in allowing for the flight of the ball. 0