There are many types of bowling techniques in cricket and the googly is one of the hardest to spot for batters. It is a special type of spin bowling used by leg spinners.
A googly is a delivery that looks like a regular leg break, however it will spin in the opposite direction.
A googly can be very confusing for even experienced batters if bowled well.
Many famous spin bowlers have used this delivery to get rid of some of the best players in the world.
In this article we will explain what the googly means in cricket, how it works, how to bowl it, its history and the differences between a googly and leg break.
What Is a Googly in Cricket?
A googly is a deceptive spin delivery bowled by a leg spinner. It will spin in the opposite direction to a regular leg break.
When a right arm leg spinner bowls to a right handed batter.
- A regular leg break will usually spin from the leg side of the batter to off side.
- A googly will spin from off to the leg.
This can catch batters out as they will get confused with the change in how the ball is spinning. This can result in getting bowled, lbw or caught.
A googly is also known as a wrong’un as it is the opposite way to the bowlers regular delivery.
Googly in Cricket—Quick Facts
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Googly |
| Also Known As | Wrong’un |
| Type of Bowling | Spin Bowling |
| Usually Bowled By | Leg Spinners |
| Purpose | To Deceive the Batter |
| Spin Direction | Opposite of Regular Leg Break |
| Common Way Out | Bowled, LBW, Caught |
| Key Skills Needed | Wrist Position and Disguise |
It can be a very effective delivery if the batter is expecting the ball to spin away but instead it spins back at them.
How Does a Googly Work in Cricket?
The key to bowling a googly is to disguise it with the correct wrist position, finger placement and release.
As a leg spinner will usually use the wrist to spin the ball in one direction whilst bowling a googly you will have to adjust the wrist position to create the opposite spin.
The googly is designed to look identical to a regular leg break until it leaves the bowlers hand.
How Can a Googly Deceive the Batter?
A googly can deceive the batter in several ways.
1. Same Run-up and Bowling Action
The bowler will use the same run-up and bowling action as a regular leg break.
2. Disguise Wrist Position
The bowler will adjust their wrist position during the release to disguise the googly.
3. Opposite Spin
Once the ball pitches the ball will spin in the opposite direction to a regular leg break.
4. Wrong Shot Played
The batter will play the wrong shot and create space between the bat and pad.
This can create chances to get the batter out.
How To Bowl a Googly in Cricket
To learn how to bowl a googly in cricket you will need to practice regularly. You will also need to have good wrist control and understand how to bowl leg spin.
Beginners should try to perfect their leg break before trying to bowl a googly.
1. Hold the Ball Correctly
Use a comfortable wrist spin grip with your fingers across the seam.
Ensure you can spin the ball using your wrist and fingers.
2. Use Regular Bowling Action
Use your regular run up and arm action.
Make sure you do not make any obvious changes to your bowling action.
3. Adjust Wrist Position
Rotate your wrist to allow you to bowl the ball with the opposite spin.
Depending on your bowling style your wrist position will vary.
4. Add Spin
Spin the ball using your wrist and fingers.
As a right arm leg spinner you want to create a googly that will spin into a right handed batter.
5. Be Accurate
Try to bowl the ball consistently with a good length.
The googly will be most effective if you can be accurate with your line, length and spin.
Pro Tip: Begin slowly and work on your wrist control. Don’t force your wrists into an awkward position.
Googly vs Leg Spin in Cricket
A googly is a variation of leg spin but it will behave differently to a regular leg break as the ball will spin in the opposite direction.
Googly vs Leg Break
| Feature | Googly | Leg Break |
|---|---|---|
| Type of Bowling | Wrist Spin | Wrist Spin |
| Spin Direction | Opposite to Leg Break | Regular Leg Spin |
| Right Handed Batter | Will Usually Spin Into Batter | Will Usually Spin Away |
| Purpose | To Surprise Batter | To Create Spin and Get Wickets |
| Wrist Position | Altered | Regular Leg Spin Release |
| Difficulty | Generally More Difficult | Basic Leg Spin |
Both deliveries are important to a successful leg spinner.
Who Invented the Googly?
The googly was invented by Bernard Bosanquet, an English international cricketer in the early twentieth century.
The unique delivery was created by Bosanquet as he experimented with different spinning techniques.
This created a new level of deception in leg spin bowling.
The googly is now a popular variation for leg spinners worldwide.
Googly History
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Invented By | Bernard Bosanquet |
| Country | England |
| Time Period | Early 1900s |
| Type of Bowling | Wrist Spin |
| Also Known As | Wrong’un |
| Key Innovation | Reverse Spin with Leg Spin |
Today the googly is one of the most recognisable variations in cricket.
Famous Googly Bowlers
Many international cricketers have used the googly to deceive batters.
Some bowlers have become famous for their ability to disguise the delivery.
1. Shane Warne
One of the greatest leg spinners in cricket history.
Warne would use variations, flight and sharp turn to deceive batters throughout his career.
2. Anil Kumble
One of the most successful Test bowlers in India.
Kumble used accuracy, bounce and variations to get wickets against top international sides.
3. Rashid Khan
A leg spinner from Afghanistan who is known for his fast bowling action and difficult to read variations.
His googly has played an important role in his success in limited overs.
4. Yuzvendra Chahal
An Indian leg spinner who uses flight, turn and variations to deceive batters.
Has used the googly successfully in international cricket and the IPL.
5. Abdul Qadir
A legendary leg spinner from Pakistan who was known for his wrist spin and variations.
He played an important role in popularising leg spin.
Why is a Googly Hard to Play?
A googly can be difficult to play as you need to quickly identify the direction of the spin.
The googly will often look the same as a regular leg break.
If the batter cannot identify the bowlers wrist position they may play the wrong shot.
Common Issues
- Ball Spins Opposite Way
- Can be bowled between bat and pad.
- Risk of getting LBW.
- Miss timing shots.
- Mental pressure.
A well disguised googly can be very effective in Test, ODI and T20 cricket.
How Can You Spot a Googly?
An experienced batter will try to identify a googly by watching the bowlers wrist and hand position.
But this can be difficult against a good bowler.
Tips
Watch Bowlers Wrist
Watch the bowlers wrist closely.
Watch Ball Spin
Watch how the ball is spinning on the seam.
Late Batting
Wait a little longer to give yourself time to react.
Good Footwork
Move into a good position to help with balance and control.
Practice Wrist Spin
Regular practice will help you spot different deliveries.
This can help reduce the chance of being deceived.
Is the Googly Used in Test Cricket and T20?
Yes the googly is used in Test, ODI and T20 cricket.
In Test cricket bowlers may use it after bowling a few leg breaks to deceive the batter.
In ODI it can be used to control scoring and create wicket taking opportunities.
In T20 the googly can be very useful as batters will often go for attacking shots.
Depends on how accurate, well disguised and how well you can read the batter.
FAQs
What is a googly in cricket?
A googly is a spin delivery bowled by a leg spinner. It spins in the opposite direction to a regular leg break. It is also known as a wrong’un.
Who Invented the Googly?
The googly was invented by Bernard Bosanquet an English international cricketer in the early twentieth century.
What is the Difference Between a Googly and Leg Break?
A regular leg break (bowled by a right arm leg spinner) will usually spin away from a right handed batter. Whereas a googly will spin into the batter.
Why is it Called a Wrong’un?
It is called a wrong’un as the ball spins in the opposite direction to the bowlers regular leg break.
Which Bowlers are Famous for Bowling Googlies?
Some famous wrist spinners known for their googlies and variations include, Shane Warne, Abdul Qadir, Rashid Khan, Anil Kumble and Yuzvendra Chahal.
Conclusion
Understanding what a googly is in cricket can help fans appreciate how skillful and strategic it is. A googly is a deceptive delivery that will spin in the opposite direction to a regular leg break. It was invented by Bernard Bosanquet and has become an important weapon for leg spinners in international cricket. A googly can be very effective in Test, ODI and T20 cricket if bowled well and can change the outcome of a game.
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