Bouncer in Cricket

A short-pitched delivery that rises sharply to chest or head height.

What is a Bouncer?

The bouncer is a physical and psychological weapon. Bowled from just short of a length, a genuinely quick bouncer rises uncomfortably at the batter's body, forcing them to duck, sway, or attempt a hook or pull shot. Under ICC regulations, bowlers are allowed one bouncer per delivery to a recognised batter in ODIs and two in Test cricket. Short-pitched deliveries to tailenders are more strictly regulated for safety reasons.

In play

Fast bowler is angry. He bangs it in halfway down. Ball rears up towards the batter's throat. The batter fends — the ball skies off the gloves. Caught at fine leg. Bouncer does its job.

More bowling terms

• Reverse SwingWhen an old, rough ball swings in the opposite direction to conventional swing.
• Seam MovementThe ball deviating off the pitch after landing on its seam, cutting sideways.
• Death BowlingThe specialised art of bowling in the final overs of a T20 or ODI to restrict boundaries.
• KnuckleballA pace bowler's slower delivery, gripped with the knuckles instead of fingertips.
• BeamerAn illegal full toss that reaches the batter at head height — highly dangerous.
• Arm BallAn off-spinner's delivery that goes straight on with the arm instead of turning.