The video snippet suggests that when bowling a doosra, the seam should be facing towards fine leg, and the palm should be facing towards third man if the right hand is cutting. This is coupled with top spin.
While the video provides a brief visual, a more comprehensive explanation is needed for understanding and executing the doosra. Here's a more complete breakdown, assuming you are a right-arm off-spinner:
Understanding the Doosra
The doosra, meaning "the other one" in Urdu, is an off-spinner's delivery that turns away from the right-handed batsman, behaving like a leg-spinner. It's a difficult delivery to bowl legally and requires significant practice and a flexible wrist.
Key Elements for Bowling a Doosra:
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Grip: A common grip involves holding the ball deep in the palm with the fingers spread across the seam. Some bowlers use a slightly more finger-spin oriented grip, but the deep palm grip is generally easier for generating the required wrist action.
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Action: This is the most crucial and controversial aspect. The key is to rotate your wrist from behind the ball, imparting the reverse spin. Imagine trying to flick a switch with your wrist moving from right to left (for a right-arm bowler) as you release the ball.
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Wrist Position: As mentioned in the video snippet, the wrist position at release is vital. The seam should be angled towards fine leg, and the palm facing towards third man. This assists in imparting the necessary outward spin.
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Shoulder Rotation: Engage your shoulder to help generate power and ensure the ball reaches the batsman. However, avoid excessive shoulder rotation, as this can contribute to an illegal action (chucking). The International Cricket Council (ICC) has strict rules about elbow extension during bowling.
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Top Spin: As the video mentions, a bit of top spin can aid the effectiveness of the doosra. It helps the ball dip and grip the surface, making it more difficult for the batsman to play.
Practicing the Doosra
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Start Slow: Begin by practicing the wrist action without the ball. Get a feel for the movement required to generate the reverse spin.
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Controlled Practice: Once comfortable, start bowling the doosra in the nets, focusing on accuracy and consistency. Don't worry about pace initially.
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Vary Pace and Flight: As you gain confidence, experiment with different speeds and trajectories to make the doosra more deceptive.
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Video Analysis: Record your bowling action to identify any flaws and ensure your action is legal.
Legal Considerations
The legality of the doosra has been a constant subject of debate. The ICC prohibits excessive straightening of the elbow during the bowling action. Therefore, ensure your elbow remains bent and that the rotation comes primarily from the wrist and not from an exaggerated straightening motion. It is highly recommended to bowl in front of qualified coaches to ensure your action is legal and efficient.
Bowling a doosra requires diligent practice and commitment. Focus on perfecting your wrist action and maintaining a legal bowling action.
