How To Bowl The Doosra In A Legal Way? (Cricket Tips In 2023)

Cricket is a game of strategy and skill, and one of the most exciting aspects of the sport is bowling. In recent years, a new type of delivery has emerged in cricket called the Doosra. But not many new cricketers and fans know how to bowl the iconic Doosra perfectly!

To bowl the Doosra, position your wrist in a cocked position with your palm facing your body. As you approach the crease, flick your wrist and impart spin using your middle finger, placing it slightly off-center on the seam of the ball. Twist your wrist in the opposite direction of the off-spinner at the point of release to cause the ball to spin in the opposite direction.

Several great cricketers of all time, such as Muttiah Muralitharan and Harbhajan Singh, took this iconic bowling delivery to the next level. And very few international players have mastered this unique delivery till now.

What Is Doosra And How It Originated?

The Doosra is a type of delivery in cricket that is bowled with the off-spin action but turns the other way, towards the right-handed batsman, like a leg-spinner.

It is a deceptive delivery that confuses the batsman, as they expect the ball to spin in one direction, but it turns in the opposite direction. The word Doosra is derived from the Hindi language, which means “second.”

The Doosra was first bowled by Saqlain Mushtaq, one of the best Pakistani cricketers, during a Test match against Australia in 1999.

Saqlain developed the delivery while playing domestic cricket in Pakistan. He was looking for a way to deceive the batsmen and developed the Doosra by using his wrist to spin the ball in the opposite direction.

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Is Doosra Banned In cricket?

The legality of the Doosra has been a topic of debate in cricket. The delivery has been under scrutiny by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for many years because of the possibility of it being bowled illegally.

The Doosra involves a bending of the elbow, which is not allowed in cricket. Therefore, bowlers need to bowl the Doosra within the permissible 15-degree limit. However, Doosra is not banned in cricket.

Some of the current best bowlers, such as Ravichandran Ashwin and Nathan Lyon, often execute this amazing delivery. And they also found great success with this one.

Difference Between Doosra And Googly

The Googly is a delivery in cricket that is bowled with a leg-spin action but turns in the opposite direction of the traditional leg-spinner, towards the off-side of the batsman.

The Googly is a different delivery from the Doosra because it is bowled with a leg-spin action, whereas the Doosra is bowled with an off-spin action. It is like a hook shot in cricket where you try to hit the off-sided ball to your leg side.

Additionally, the Googly turns in the opposite direction of a leg-spinner, whereas the Doosra turns in the opposite direction of an off-spinner.

Difference Between Doosra And Teesra

The Teesra is a delivery in cricket that is bowled with an off-spin action but has more bounce and drift than a conventional off-spinner. Tall cricketers often deliver this action with some little extra bounce.

The Teesra is different from the Doosra because it has more bounce and drift, whereas the Doosra is a delivery that turns in the opposite direction of an off-spinner.

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Which Bowlers Can Bowl Doosra?

The Doosra is a difficult delivery to bowl, and not all bowlers can bowl it effectively. Generally, off-spin bowlers are more likely to bowl the Doosra because they have a natural action that can be adapted to bowl the delivery.

Bowlers with good wrist actions, who can spin the ball both ways, are also likely to be able to bowl the Doosra.

Some of the highest wicket-takers in cricket known for their Doosra include Saqlain Mushtaq, Muttiah Muralitharan, Harbhajan Singh, Saeed Ajmal, and Johan Botha.

Step-By-Step Guide On How To Bowl A Perfect Doosra

You don’t need to bowl faster in cricket while you attempt to execute a Doosra, as you need more control, precision, and the right flick. To bowl a Doosra, follow these steps:

• Step 1. Grip The Ball: Hold the ball in your bowling hand with your fingers and thumb. Place your middle and index fingers close together on the seam of the ball. Your ring finger and little finger should be slightly apart from the other fingers.
• Step 2. Position Your Wrist: Place your wrist in a cocked position, with your palm facing your body. This position will help you generate the necessary spin to bowl a Doosra.
• Step 3. Run-Up: Take a few steps to gain momentum and pace before releasing the ball.
• Step 4. Release The Ball: As you approach the crease, release the ball with a flick of your wrist. Use your middle finger to impart the spin on the ball. You need to spin the ball in the opposite direction of the off-spinner, which requires you to twist your wrist at the last moment.
• Step 5. Follow-Through: After releasing the ball, follow through with your bowling action. Ensure that you do not bend your elbow more than the permitted 15-degree limit.

You need to also read the pitch of the cricket stadium where you want to practice Doosra. The pitch will also play a leading role in the final spin of your ball.

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Ideal Wrist Movements For Doosra

The ideal wrist movement in a Doosra involves a flick of the wrist with a slight twist at the last moment. This wrist movement helps generate the necessary spin and turn the ball in the opposite direction of the off-spinner.

The middle finger plays a crucial role in this movement. It is the finger that needs to be used to impart the spin on the ball. The middle finger needs to be placed slightly off-center on the seam of the ball.

When the bowler flicks their wrist, the middle finger generates the spin, which turns the ball in the opposite direction of the off-spinner.

The twist at the last moment is also crucial to the delivery of the Doosra. It involves the bowler twisting their wrist in the opposite direction of the off-spinner.

It causes the ball to spin in the opposite direction. This twist happens at the point of release and requires excellent control over the wrist movement. It is better to consult your cricket coach to know about your ideal wrist movement.

5 Best Bowlers Known For Their Doosra

Some of the greatest spinners of all time are known for their legendary bowling actions and unmatched spin. And there are five players who took this delivery to the iconic status.

1. Saqlain Mushtaq: He is considered the inventor of the Doosra and was the first to bowl it in international cricket. He had a successful career and is credited with popularizing the delivery.
2. Muttiah Muralitharan: He is one of the most successful bowlers in cricket history and is known for his ability to bowl the Doosra effectively. He took 800 Test wickets which is an unbeatable cricket record still today.
3. Harbhajan Singh: He is an Indian off-spinner who is known for his Doosra. He has been a regular member of the Indian cricket team for over a decade and has taken over 400 Test wickets.
4. Saeed Ajmal: He is a former Pakistani cricketer who was known for his Doosra. He had a successful career and was one of the best bowlers in the world during his prime.
5. Johan Botha: He is a former South African cricketer who was known for his Doosra. He had a successful career in both domestic and international cricket and was a reliable bowler for his team.

Muttiah Muralitharan even got success against the best opening pairs, such as Sachin and Sehwag, while delivering repeated doosra to confuse them.

Common Mistakes While Bowling Doosra

Many cricketers who even got some best bowling figures in cricket often made mistakes while delivering a perfect Doosra. So, don’t worry about it if you are doing some mistakes. Here are some solutions!

1. Elbow Bending: This is the most common mistake while bowling a Doosra. Ensure that you do not bend your elbow more than the permitted 15-degree limit. To avoid this, practice your action regularly and make sure you are comfortable with your wrist movement.
2. Incorrect Grip: Holding the ball incorrectly can affect your ability to spin the ball correctly. Ensure that your grip is correct and that your middle and index fingers are close together on the seam of the ball.
3. Lack Of Practice: Bowling a Doosra requires a lot of practice and patience. Ensure that you practice regularly and get feedback from your coach or teammates.

It is also better to talk to the people in your sports academy to get some tailored tips from your coach and trainer. They can show you the right way to avoid common mistakes.

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Final Note

The Doosra is a tricky delivery in cricket that requires skill and practice to master. It has been a subject of debate in cricket, but it is not banned. Bowlers with good wrist actions and off-spin bowlers are more likely to bowl the Doosra effectively.

A little more practice, sincerely and consistently, can help you to achieve perfect Doosra. And once you master it, it will be easy for you to take some quick wickets.