In the exciting atmosphere of the cricket stadium, one of the most exciting scenes is the fast bowler running and defeating the big batsman. The secret is two different skills, swing bowling and seam bowling. Both these arts have increased the competitiveness of cricket. Let us unveil the mystery of these two arts today.
In swing bowling, the ball turns left and right in the air. This change occurs during the flight of the ball and often appears at the last moment, making it difficult for the batsman to understand. Whereas in seam bowling, the ball remains straight in the air, but after falling on the pitch, it suddenly changes direction. This happens through the seam (stitching of the ball) and the contact with the ground.
science of swing bowling
Swing bowling is completely based on aerodynamics. The bowler keeps one side of the ball shiny and the other rough, with the seam at an angle.
When the ball goes into the air, the air flows easier on the shiny side, while the air sticks to the rough side longer, creating a pressure difference. For this reason the ball turns in the direction of less pressure. This is understood from Bernoulli’s principle.
With the older ball there is reverse swing, where the ball turns in the opposite direction. The right speed (130-140 km/hr), moisture and consistency of the seam of the ball play an important role in this. While bowling with a new ball, the ball changes direction and comes out in the direction in which the seam is tilted while throwing the ball. Whereas with the old ball the ball is made to swing reverse.
science of seam bowling
The game of seam bowling is not played in the air, but on the pitch. The bowler releases the ball keeping the seam straight. When this seam hits the grass or crack, the ball suddenly changes direction. Green and moist pitches are ideal for seam bowling, while dry pitches have less effect. The seam movement happens at the last moment, making it almost impossible for the batsman to read.
Talking about players, Zaheer Khan has been one of the great swing bowlers of India. He took 311 wickets in 92 Test matches and his reverse swing was extremely effective in the 2011 World Cup. Apart from Zaheer Khan, Bhuvneshwar Kumar was also a magician of swing bowling, who is called “Swing King”.
Muhammad Shami is considered a master in seam bowling. His seam position and wrist strength make him dangerous on any pitch. He has taken 229 wickets in 64 tests. Jasprit Bumrah is one of the most unique bowlers in modern cricket. His bowling has a lethal mix of both swing and seam. He has taken more than 210 wickets in 46 Tests and his average is 19.60.
Swing is more effective with the new ball, especially in overseas conditions. Whereas seam bowling shows effect when the ball is old or on the pitches of the subcontinent. Due to these two skills, India is today counted among the most dangerous fast bowling teams in the world.
Next time you see Shami or Bumrah bowling, pay attention to the seam and shine of the ball. You are actually witnessing the perfect fusion of science and skill that makes cricket so exciting.
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