That was a very interesting read Moz, thanks. I had an old book I was given around the time Warne came on the scene. That was the peak of my interest in the sport, and got very interested in bowling, especially spin bowling. I miss those school days!
Nice article, Moz.
Just to add something, cos I always have to add something.
They don't talk about one very important aspect which is where the bowling arm finishes.
Simply put, if a right-hander is bowling outswing, his right arm should finish on the left of his body, while for inswing his right arm should finish past his right hip.
I remember making that one simple adjustment and the results were immediately obvious. Have known a few bowlers over the years that struggled with inswingers and, having shown them that adjustment, the feedback was always positive...after they got used to the change.
I think what it comes down to is that if you're are trying to bowl an inswinger, knowing that your arm will have to finish beside your right hip, you naturally adjust your action and release accordingly, and the ball has a much better chance of coming out with the seem being less wobbly and pointing where you want it to point.
Hoggard talks about it briefly here...
Mozart
Thanks - very interesting.
Glad you found it interesting. To your point Plum, Mike Proctor who as I recall had a great inswinger was very square to the wicket at delivery and brought his arm down to his right side,
Yes Procter also had a bowling action that allowed him to bowl off the wrong foot much to the delight of the late Charles Fortune and Neil Adcock and the demise of many a batsman.
Unfortunately he was lost to Natal cricket at a young age as he followed the money and so did many other excellent players.
What a joy it was to be able to attend some of the games of past greats of SA cricket as well as enjoying a beer after the game.....memories last forever fortunately.
Question is, who is the Protea's best swing bowler since readmission?
Kind of unfair to put all bowlers in the same category. Morkel, Donald, Steyn, Philander...All very different in how they bowled and achieved success.
I suppose one would have to put Rabada, Donald and Morkel in the same category. Vernon kinda fits into a category all on his own.
For me, it's probably Steyn because he was the best at passing the bat in the conventional manner.
Rabada looked for while like he'd overtake Steyn but I think his back is gone now and we may have seen the best of him. Whereas, with Steyn, it was at this point in his career where he was the most feared.
Mozart
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http://www.excitingscience.org/doc/slides/Outreach_18_12_2011.pdf
Reverse swing is a bit like the theory of turning a motor cycle… it sounds right, but somehow until you see it a few times, it’s hard to believe. This slightly technical article explains it pretty well. It also emphasizes seam position, which the commentators didn’t really do in today’s play.