Knuckleball in Cricket

A pace bowler's slower delivery, gripped with the knuckles instead of fingertips.

What is a Knuckleball?

Borrowed from baseball, the knuckleball is gripped with the index and middle finger bent so the knuckles press against the leather rather than the fingertips. At release, the ball comes out with little rotation, causing it to dip and move unpredictably through the air. Notably used by Andrew Tye and Zaheer Khan. A good knuckleball looks exactly like a full-pace delivery until it slows dramatically in flight.

In play

Batter has set himself for a yorker off the last ball. Bowler disguises the knuckleball perfectly. It floats in 20kmph slower. Batter is through his shot before it arrives — top-edge, caught at mid-on.

More bowling terms

• 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.
• ChinamanLeft-arm wrist spin — the left-handed equivalent of leg spin.
• Corridor of UncertaintyThe ideal bowling line — just outside off stump where the batter is unsure whether to play or leave.
• Stock BallA bowler's standard, go-to delivery — their default weapon.
• Conventional SwingThe ball curving through the air using the contrast between the shiny and rough sides.