What Are Cutters in Bowling?

Bowling is an art that requires skill, practice, and precision. In cricket, bowlers use a range of techniques and strategies to get the better of the batsman. One such technique is the use of cutters, which are a type of delivery that can deceive the batsman by changing direction or pace. In this article, we will explore what cutters are in bowling, how they are bowled, and the different types of cutters that exist in cricket.

What are cutters in bowling?

A cutter is a type of delivery in cricket where the ball is released with a specific wrist or finger position that imparts a spin on the ball. This spin causes the ball to deviate from its original trajectory, making it difficult for the batsman to anticipate the delivery. Cutters are generally slower in pace than other deliveries and are used to deceive the batsman by changing direction, pace, or both.

How are cutters bowled?

Cutters are bowled by manipulating the ball’s spin using the fingers and wrist. The key to bowling a good cutter is to release the ball with a specific finger or wrist position that imparts a spin on the ball. For example, an off-cutter is bowled by holding the ball with the seam angled towards the off-side and flicking the fingers on release to create spin that moves the ball towards the leg side. Similarly, a leg-cutter is bowled by holding the ball with the seam angled towards the leg side and flicking the fingers on release to create spin that moves the ball towards the off-side.

Different types of cutters

There are several types of cutters that bowlers can use to deceive the batsman. Here are some of the most common types:

Off-cutter –

This cutter is bowled by an off-spinner and moves the ball from the off-side to the leg-side. The bowler holds the ball with the seam angled towards the off-side and flicks the fingers on release to impart spin on the ball. The off-cutter is often used as a surprise delivery to get the batsman out lbw or bowled.

Leg-cutter –

This cutter is bowled by a leg-spinner and moves the ball from the leg-side to the off-side. The bowler holds the ball with the seam angled towards the leg-side and flicks the fingers on release to impart spin on the ball. The leg-cutter is often used to deceive the batsman by making them play a shot towards the leg-side, only for the ball to move away towards the off-side.

Slower ball –

This type of cutter is bowled by reducing the pace of the ball and imparting spin on it using the fingers or wrist. The slower ball is often used as a surprise delivery to deceive the batsman, who is expecting a faster delivery.

Knuckle ball –

This type of cutter is bowled by holding the ball with the knuckles and releasing it with minimal spin. The knuckle ball is often used as a surprise delivery to deceive the batsman, who is expecting a faster or spinning delivery.

Conclusion

Cutters are a valuable weapon in a bowler’s arsenal, allowing them to deceive the batsman and take wickets. The key to bowling a good cutter is to release the ball with a specific finger or wrist position that imparts spin on the ball. By mastering the art of cutters, bowlers can become more effective in their bowling and help their team win matches.