A cricket bowler is a skillful player who has the ability to deviate the ball’s direction either after the ball pitches or when it is mid-air. The latter is called a seamer or a pace bowler. These bowlers clock their deliveries between 135 to 150 km/hr. A seamer’s pace when combined with subtle variations with the wrist and fingers upon releasing the ball leads to the ball swing midair. This makes it difficult for the batter to predict the trajectory of the ball.
The amount of swing on the ball is a semi-controlled element. The factor that is within the bowler’s control is the manner in which they release the ball based on the position of their fingers with respect to the seam. Factors that are not under the bowler’s control is the nature of the pitch and the climate. A grassy pitch will have less friction with the new smooth ball, resulting in a skidding delivery. As the grass wears away with the progression of the match, and the ball becomes rough and old, expert bowlers can also create a reverse swing. A windy climate will add to the swing the ball.
During the initial overs of the match, the fielding side tries to maintain the shine on one side of the ball. This is to create a rougher half in the direction of which the ball swings. Fielders do so by rubbing the ball on their tracks to maintain the shine of the smoother surface. Thus, the pitch is one of the three factors that adds to the swing of the ball. More often then not, it is the bowler’s ability of controlled pace and release that determines a dapper swinging delivery.
