What is flipper in cricket
Cricket is an engaging sport enjoyed by millions of people across the globe. For many fans and players, one of its charm lies in the technical aspects of the game, such as bowing techniques used by bowlers to deceive batsmen. There’s a lot that goes into a single ball delivery in cricket – from variations in pace and direction to spins and drifts. One such specialized bowling technique known to bewitch batsmen is called a flipper. Traditionally associated with leg spin bowling, flippers are often used as surprise elements that can change the course of a match.
Understanding the Flipper
A ‘flipper’ is essentially a type of delivery produced by the spinner bowler. The term originated from Australian slang meaning ‘something small.’ It might seem rather unassuming due to its lower trajectory but it possesses distinct characteristics that can outfox even seasoned batters.
Unlike regular deliveries where the ball deviates off after pitching, making it easier for the batsman to read it, a flipper stays low and skids towards the stumps at a quicker pace post-pitching, leaving little time for the batter to react or adjust their shot.
The Science Behind Flippers
The underlying principle of any spinning ball relies on manipulating air pressure. When a bowler imparts spin onto the ball, one side travels faster than the other creating differing air pressures around it hence causing it to move in a particular direction through the air – this mechanism is commonly referred to as Magnus Force.
However, things work differently when delivering a flipper; instead of spinning conventionally, the bowler uses his thumb and squeezes it out underarm through finger rings so the backspin trudges it forward quickly along a relatively straight path once pitched despite imparted rotation.
Full Video in Youtube
Executing A Perfect Flipper
Delivering an effective flipper with accuracy involves a lot of practice and mastery. Bowlers typically release the flipper from underneath by rolling their fingers down the backside rather than spinning it from above. The ball is released using thumb, index finger, and middle finger in different roles depending on grip preference.
The complexity associated with its delivery can sometimes dissuade bowlers to deploy it frequently during match play; even experienced players use this sparingly, saving them for crucial moments as they’re not particularly easy to control or predict.
The Threat of the Flipper
What makes a flipper so feared? It’s primarily due to its ability to deceive batters by appearing initially as one type of delivery but behaving differently after bouncing.That’s why precision becomes key when bowling flippers because, while potential rewards are high, poor execution risks offering ‘easy runs’ to the opponent batting team. A well-executed flipper can be extremely useful against aggressive batsmen who prefer playing on front foot since it deceives both in terms of speed and bounce.
Notable Exponents
Some legendary cricket players have been known for their effective use of flippers. Australian cricketer Shane Warne is widely considered an innovator and master practitioner of this technique. His deceptive deliveries throughout his career stymied many renowned batsmen. Clarrie Grimmett, another Aussie bowler, is credited for developing the original ‘wrong’un,’ which served as an inspiration for subsequent variations like flippers.
In Conclusion
Understanding strategic elements like the flipper enriches our appreciation for cricket – a sport that reflects chess-like depth beneath its seemingly straightforward surface play. As fans or aspiring players wanting to step up their game, familiarizing oneself with such techniques prove immensely fruitful – allowing us to either predict outcomes more accurately or confound opponents with carefully calculated maneuvers at opportune instances.
