What is Flipper in Cricket?
In cricket, a ‘flipper’ is a type of delivery used by a leg spin bowler. The flipper is bowled with the same action as a regular leg spin delivery, but instead of imparting side spin, the bowler rolls the fingers down the back of the ball, which gives it backspin.
The result is a delivery that skids through more quickly and at a lower trajectory than a regular leg spin delivery. This can surprise the batsman, who might expect the ball to bounce higher and turn away, as with a typical leg spin delivery.
The flipper is considered a more advanced and difficult delivery to master for a leg spin bowler. It’s often used as a surprise delivery to break up the pattern of leg spin and googly deliveries.
The flipper was made famous by Australian leg spinner Richie Benaud, and later by Shane Warne, who used it to great effect in his career.
It’s a delivery that requires a lot of practice to perfect, but when bowled correctly, it can be a potent weapon in a leg spinner’s arsenal.
Mastering the Art of Deception as Flipper
The flipper involves a subtle change in the grip and wrist position as the ball is released, prompting the delivery to land with minimal spin and reduced flight.
To accomplish this, the bowler holds the ball more tightly and utilizes a flatter trajectory compared to a traditional leg spin delivery, aiming to deceive the batsman by making the ball appear to be traveling slower than it actually is.
Real-World Analogy: Cricket’s Version of the Change-Up Pitch
In baseball, pitchers often employ a change-up pitch to disrupt a batter’s timing, throwing a slower ball to catch them off guard.
Similarly, the flipper serves as cricket’s equivalent, aiming to deceive the batsman by altering the speed and trajectory of the delivery.
Just as a change-up pitch can unsettle a batter’s rhythm, the flipper can entice batsmen into misjudging the delivery, leading to mis-hits or dismissals.
Impact on the Game: Adding a Dash of Mystery to the Bowling Attack
The flipper is a specialized delivery that requires a high level of skill to execute effectively. Its unpredictability makes it a valuable asset for spinners, allowing them to keep batsmen on their toes and force mistakes.
Batsmen facing the flipper must remain vigilant, as the subtle change in pace and trajectory creates doubt and uncertainty in shot selection.
A well-executed flipper can breach a batsman’s defenses, resulting in wickets and tilting the game’s momentum in favor of the bowling side.
Conclusion: The Spin Bowling Finesse
In the vast world of cricket, where tactics and strategies play a significant role, the flipper stands as an embodiment of spin bowling finesse.
Its ability to deceive batsmen, just like a magician performing an illusion, adds a layer of intrigue and suspense to the game.
Whether it leaves the batsman scratching their head or sailing back to the pavilion, the flipper remains one of the most captivating and enigmatic weapons in a spinner’s arsenal.
