Seam Movement in Cricket

The ball deviating off the pitch after landing on its seam, cutting sideways.

What is a Seam Movement?

When the ball lands precisely on the raised seam and cuts off the surface either towards slip (off cutter/seam) or towards leg (leg cutter/seam). Unlike swing, seam movement occurs off the pitch rather than through the air. On green pitches or soft surfaces with moisture, a seaming delivery is extremely difficult to play as the deviation is late and unpredictable.

In play

Pitch is slightly damp. Bowler gets one to land on its seam and cut back sharply off the surface. Batter playing for the straight delivery is beaten for pace and direction — inside edge onto the stumps.

More bowling terms

• 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.
• 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.