Carom ball meaning

A carom ball is a type of delivery in cricket where the bowler releases the ball with a flick of the middle finger to create unpredictable spin.


Carom ball definitions

Word backwards morac llab
Part of speech noun
Syllabic division ca-rom-ball
Plural The plural of carom ball is carom balls.
Total letters 9
Vogais (2) a,o
Consonants (5) c,r,m,b,l

Carom ball, also known as the "Sodukku Ball" or the "Karam Ball," is a type of delivery in cricket that is bowled by off-spinners or left-arm orthodox spinners. The carom ball is a variation of a finger-spin delivery that involves flicking the ball with the thumb and middle finger, which imparts extra spin and causes the ball to skid off the pitch unpredictably.

Origin and Technique

The carom ball was popularized by Sri Lankan cricketer Ajantha Mendis in the late 2000s, who used this delivery to great effect in international cricket. To bowl a carom ball, the bowler holds the ball between the thumb, index, and middle finger, with the middle finger providing the flicking action as the ball is released. This imparts a mixture of overspin and sidespin, causing the ball to deviate off the pitch at sharp angles.

Effectiveness and Variations

The carom ball is effective against both right-handed and left-handed batsmen, as it can turn in either direction or skid straight on, making it hard for batsmen to predict. Bowlers who can master the carom ball can trouble even the best batsmen with its unpredictability and variations. Some bowlers have even developed different versions of the carom ball, such as the "doosra," to further bamboozle the batsmen.

Challenges and Risks

However, bowling the carom ball comes with its own set of challenges and risks. Due to the awkward grip and wrist position required to bowl this delivery, bowlers may struggle with control and consistency, leading to wayward deliveries and extras. Additionally, overuse of the carom ball can put strain on the fingers and wrist, increasing the risk of injuries for the bowler.

In conclusion, the carom ball is a potent weapon in the arsenal of spin bowlers, offering a unique and deceptive delivery that can deceive even the most experienced batsmen. While mastering this delivery requires skill and practice, the rewards of being able to outfox the opposition make it a valuable skill for any spinner to possess.


Carom ball Examples

  1. The bowler surprised the batsman with a well-disguised carom ball.
  2. The spin bowler's carom ball skidded straight on and hit the top of off stump.
  3. Shane Warne was famous for his mastery of the traditional leg break as well as the carom ball.
  4. When playing in the subcontinent, wrist spinners often rely on the carom ball to deceive the batsmen.
  5. The carom ball is a variation in spin bowling that can be difficult to pick from the bowler's hand.
  6. Muralitharan's carom ball was almost impossible to pick due to his unique finger position while delivering it.
  7. The young leg spinner has been practicing his carom ball extensively in the nets.
  8. The carom ball is a delivery that can turn both ways after pitching, making it a potent weapon for spin bowlers.
  9. The batsman was completely bamboozled by the bowler's carom ball that spun away sharply from him.
  10. In modern cricket, the carom ball has become a crucial weapon for spinners to outsmart the batsmen.


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  • Updated 07/04/2024 - 17:35:59