What Is a Googly in Cricket & How to Bowl a Googly Ball Like a Pro

Cricket is a game of skill, strategy, and deception. Among the many variations a bowler can use to outsmart the batsman, the googly in cricket stands out as one of the most effective. This deceptive delivery often results in crucial breakthroughs that can turn the momentum of a match.

If you've ever seen a leg-spinner bowl and a batsman completely misjudge the delivery, you've likely witnessed the impact of a googly ball. While it appears to be a normal leg-spin delivery, it behaves very differently—spinning in the opposite direction and surprising the batsman.

In this detailed guide, we cover everything you need to know about the googly ball in cricket—including its origin, how it works, how to bowl it, when to use it, and the famous players who have mastered it.

What Is a Googly in Cricket?

A googly is a type of delivery bowled by a leg-spinner that spins in the opposite direction of a standard leg-spin ball. Instead of turning from leg to off, it turns from off to leg (for a right-handed batsman). The batsman, expecting a traditional leg break, is caught off guard.

The key to an effective googly is deception. The bowler must maintain a wrist and arm action that closely resembles their normal delivery, making it difficult for the batsman to detect the variation until it’s too late.

In Which Country Was the Googly Invented?

The googly ball was invented in England by cricketer Bernard Bosanquet in the early 1900s. While experimenting with spin techniques, Bosanquet discovered a way to make the ball spin in the opposite direction of a typical leg-break. His creation added a new layer of deception to leg-spin bowling and changed the way spin was used in cricket.

Since then, many world-class bowlers have refined the googly, making it an essential part of the modern leg-spinner’s arsenal.

Why Is the Googly So Effective?

The googly in cricket is a powerful variation for several reasons:

1. It Confuses the Batsman

Batsmen typically read a spinner’s deliveries based on wrist position, seam movement, and finger action. A well-bowled googly in cricket looks exactly like a normal leg-break but behaves differently, leading to misjudgments.

2. It Induces Mistakes

A batsman expecting a leg-spinner will often commit early to a shot. When the googly ball suddenly turns the other way, they are either beaten completely or end up misplaying it.

3. It’s a Wicket-Taking Weapon

Many top spinners use the googly ball to dismiss well-set batsmen. The ball can lead to:

• Bowled dismissals when the batter misjudges the turn.
• LBW decisions as the ball spins sharply into the pads.
• Catches when a batter edges the ball to slip or short leg.

How to Bowl a Googly

Bowling a googly requires a combination of grip, wrist position, and precise body movement. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown to help you master it.

Step 1: Grip the Ball Correctly

The grip for a googly ball is similar to a standard leg-spin delivery:

• Hold the ball with your index and middle fingers across the seam.
• Your ring finger should be in contact with the seam to generate spin.
• The thumb should rest lightly on the side of the ball for control.

Step 2: Perfect the Wrist Position

• As you release the ball, turn your wrist inward, so your palm faces your chest.
• This wrist movement forces the ball to spin in the opposite direction of a regular leg-spinner.
• If done correctly, the googly ball will turn off to leg instead of leg to off.

Step 3: Body and Shoulder Rotation

A strong body rotation helps generate extra spin:

• Rotate your shoulders fully in sync with your arm movement.
• Pivot on your front foot to allow a smooth follow-through.
• Avoid excessive force—accuracy is more important than speed.

Step 4: Release the Ball at the Right Time

• Release the ball just before your hand reaches the peak of the bowling action.
• Keep your fingers firm but relaxed to maximize spin.
• Ensure that the seam stays angled towards the leg side.

Step 5: Follow Through & Seam Position

• A proper follow-through ensures accuracy and balance.
• Allow your bowling arm to complete its natural downward motion.
• Keep the seam position steady to maintain control.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Bowling a Googly

Even experienced bowlers make errors when attempting a googly in cricket. Here are some pitfalls to avoid:

1. Incorrect Wrist Position

If the wrist isn’t turned inward properly, the ball won’t spin as a googly ball.

2. Predictable Action

If a batsman can spot the difference in your hand movement, they’ll adjust quickly.

3. Overuse

Using the googly in cricket too often makes it less effective. It should be mixed with regular leg-spin deliveries.

Famous Bowlers Known for Their Googly in Cricket

Some of the greatest spinners in history have mastered the googly ball, making them nightmares for batsmen:

1. Shane Warne (Australia)

A legendary leg-spinner known for deceptive variations, including the googly in cricket.

2. Anil Kumble (India)

While primarily a quicker bowler, his googly ball often surprised batters.

3. Abdul Qadir (Pakistan)

A magician with the ball, Qadir’s googly in cricket was unplayable at times.

4. Rashid Khan (Afghanistan)

A modern-day spin sensation, Rashid’s googly ball is incredibly quick and deceptive.

When Should You Bowl a Googly?

Knowing when to use a googly in cricket is just as important as knowing how to bowl it. Here are the best situations:

• Against Right-Handed Batsmen – To exploit their weak spot outside off-stump.
• During Middle Overs – When the batsman is trying to settle in.
• On a Turning Pitch – To maximize the spin and movement.
• As a Surprise Delivery – After a series of stock leg-spinners.

Pros & Cons of the Googly Ball

Pros	Cons
Excellent for deceiving well-set batsmen	Hard to master; requires precise wrist control
High wicket-taking potential	Overuse can reduce effectiveness
Keeps batsmen guessing	Less effective on flat or non-turning pitches

Conclusion: Master the Googly & Dominate the Game

The googly in cricket is one of the most powerful weapons a leg-spinner can have. While difficult to master, with enough practice, it can become a game-changing skill in your arsenal.

Start training today, and soon, you’ll be deceiving batsmen with a perfectly executed googly ball. If you have any questions or experiences with bowling a googly in cricket, drop a comment below!

FAQs

1. What is a googly in cricket?
A leg-spin delivery that turns in the opposite direction—from off to leg for a right-handed batsman.

2. Who invented the googly ball?
The googly was invented in England by Bernard Bosanquet in the early 1900s.

3. How does a googly spin?
It spins from off to leg, unlike a regular leg-spin which turns from leg to off.

4. What makes a googly effective?
Its ability to deceive the batsman and lead to misjudgments and wickets.

5. How do you bowl a googly?
Use a leg-spin grip, turn the wrist inward at release, and maintain a natural follow-through.

6. When should you bowl a googly?
As a surprise delivery, especially against right-handers or on turning tracks.

7. What are common mistakes when bowling a googly?
Incorrect wrist position, predictable action, and using it too frequently.

8. Who are famous bowlers known for the googly?
Shane Warne, Anil Kumble, Abdul Qadir, and Rashid Khan.

9. Can off-spinners bowl a googly?
No, off-spinners use a variation called the doosra for a similar effect.

10. Is it hard to master the googly?
Yes, it requires consistent practice, accurate wrist control, and timing.