Fast bowlers have a distinct fanbase within the world of cricket. When a bowler bowls at a rapid pace, people from all around the world get excited to watch their deliveries. Genuine fast bowling is an art, and only a handful of fast bowlers can claim to consistently trouble batsmen with their rapid deliveries.
Another fascinating facet of bowling is spin. Spinners deliver the ball much slower compared to fast bowlers, yet they bewilder batsmen with their ability to impart turn and bounce. Sometimes, even a seemingly straightforward delivery can deceive batsmen as they grapple with the spinning ball.
Depending on the pitch conditions, fast bowlers occasionally resort to spin bowling. Some even opt for spin to avoid the demands of long run-ups. Let’s delve into the stories of four popular fast bowlers who dabbled in spin bowling during their careers.
S Sreesanth Sreesanth became a hero of India’s T20 World Cup 2007 victory and was a part of India’s playing eleven in the 2011 World Cup final against Sri Lanka. Although he has retired from professional cricket, in the latter stages of his career while playing for Kerala in domestic matches, he was spotted showcasing his skills in leg spin.
In the One Day International (ODI) arena, the right-arm fast bowler participated in 53 matches, securing 75 wickets with an impressive economy rate of 6.08. Additionally, he sent seven batsmen back to the pavilion in 10 T20 Internationals, sporting an economy rate of 8.47.
Ollie Robinson The current English bowler, Ollie Robinson, has earned recognition for his ability to generate swing and pace. During the 2021 Ashes Test match against Australia at Adelaide Oval, England’s playing XI lacked a frontline spinner, compelling Robinson, a right-arm fast bowler, to try his hand at right-arm off-spin.
In the Test cricket arena, Robinson, the right-arm fast bowler, boasts 14 matches under his belt and has dismissed 60 batsmen at an impressive average of 20.02.
Andrew Symonds The former Australian all-rounder, Andrew Symonds, was a versatile bowler who alternated between spin and pace based on prevailing conditions and his personal preferences.
Jason Holder The current West Indies all-rounder, Jason Holder, stands out as one of the tallest fast bowlers in Caribbean cricket. In a recent Test match against Zimbabwe, where the pitch favoured spinners, Holder experimented with off-spin to contribute to the team’s bowling effort.
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