What is a Bouncer in Cricket?
A bouncer is a type of short-pitched delivery in cricket, usually bowled by a fast bowler. The bouncer bounces once before reaching the batsman at head height. Bowling an effective bouncer requires good technique – run up at the same or slightly faster pace, momentum towards the target, follow through straight at the batsman.
Famous Fast Bowlers Known for Bouncers
Some famous fast bowlers known for their threatening bouncers include Malcolm Marshall, Shoaib Akhtar, Brett Lee, and others. Bouncers can affect a batsman’s confidence and often lead to their dismissal. Countries like Australia and West Indies are known for producing talented fast bowlers supported by bouncy pitches.
Regulations of Bouncers in Cricket
Rules regulate the use of bouncers in cricket. Generally, bowlers should avoid bowling bouncers that can injure batsmen or intimidate them. Umpires can call no-balls on bowlers breaching rules. Limits are set on the number of bouncers per over across formats. Exceeding these invites penalties for the bowling team.
How to Bowl a Bouncer?
To bowl a bouncer: Use a shorter length. Generate extra pace in the run-up. Aim high towards the batsman’s upper body. Use an angled trajectory. This makes the rising delivery harder to defend by the batsman. A spin bowler can also try bowling a bouncer but it requires extra effort to bowl at a faster pace ensuring the ball bounces higher.