Why Cricket Bowlers Love to Copy Specific Actions

As a child, cricket was one of my greatest loves, and I spent countless hours mimicking the actions of my favorite bowlers. Whether it was the Steve Harmison or Andrew Flintoff, I would run through empty corridors to perfect their deliveries.

Steve Harmison: The Bouncer's Action

My journey into cricket began with Steve Harmison. As the first bowler I ever watched, his high arm and front-on action immediately captivated me. Harmison's move enabled me to bowl bouncers, a skill that many batsmen found challenging. Ricky Ponting, for example, struggled significantly against his bouncers. Harmison's action was so pure and effective that it became the standard for delivery variations like bouncers.

Andrew Flintoff: The Inspired Mentor

In my school days, I got distracted when I watched Andrew Flintoff bowl. His high arm, open-chested action was equally mesmerizing. Flintoff's delivery was versatile, allowing for both full-length and short-length deliveries. However, mastering the rhythm and tempo of his action was a real challenge.

The Modern Era: Jasprit Bumrah's Unorthodox Style

Now, in the present era, there is one bowler that everyone tries to emulate: Jasprit Bumrah. His unique and unorthodox action has inspired many. But copying Bumrah also comes with risks. Suraj Jajoos argues in his article that pace bowlers can achieve the same results with a shorter run-up and faster arm swing. Bumrah's efficiency is linked to his hyperextended arm, which acts almost like a catapult, enabling him to bowl brilliant Yorkers. However, for others, this style poses a significant risk of shoulder injury, especially when attempting to bowl Yorkers.

Personal Experience: Embracing Variation

I was so inspired by Bumrah's action that I attempted to copy it completely. But along the way, I learned a valuable lesson: it is difficult to bowl Yorkers with his action. Bumrah's unique ability to bowl toe-crushing Yorkers is due to his hyperextended arm, which acts like a catapult. For others, attempting to bowl Yorkers with this action can result in serious injury. Therefore, I used Bumrah's action as a variation in my own bowling, always prioritizing safety and well-being.

Remember, while it's fun and inspiring to mimic the actions of professional bowlers, it's crucial to understand the risks involved. Embrace variation in your own game, but do so safely and with an eye on your long-term health.

Stay safe!

Cheers!