Spin bowlers are among world cricket’s top wicket takers and the pick of the crop have the skill and ability to deceive and beat batsmen through a combination of flight, drift and turn off the pitch. 

Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) biomechanists in partnership with the Cricket Australia (CA) Centre of Excellence are conducting a fascinating study into the mechanics and forces of spin bowling and the causes behind what makes the ball spin. 

The aim of this unique AIS scientific research study is to determine how the ability and influence of physical attributes — in this case upper body forces and motion (wrist, shoulder, fingers and arm action) — has on producing revolutions and controlling seam stability, which evidence shows is critical to spinning and turning the cricket ball.

The research study involved some of Australia’s best young spin bowling talent — representing junior, intermediate and 1st class levels — being but through a range of intensive biomechanical testing and analysis at a national training camp at the AIS in Canberra.

Biomechanical monitoring systems with built-in sensors were used to develop a complete profile of Australian slow bowler’s technique and action over 36 deliveries.

AIS biomechanist Wayne Spratford says coaches and sport scientists through this research study are gaining a much greater understanding about how the technique and action of wrist and finger slow bowlers determines their ability to spin and turn the ball.

‘The bowler’s ability to control the spin and stability of the seam may be of importance as it has the potential to influence the ball’s variation, flight and turn off the pitch which is a key focus for cricket coaching,’ Spratford said.

'As yet studies are yet to link the ball dynamics — revolutions and seam stability — to the ‘Magnus effect’, which is the principle governing the drift and dip of the spin bowler.’

AIS/Cricket Australia spin bowling coach John Davison says data and video footage of this research study will be used by coaching staff in supporting the identification and development of Australia’s next generation of spin bowling talent.

‘The data collected by the AIS will give us a greater insight into the spin bowler and the various techniques used to impart spin.

‘Most importantly, from a coaching perspective, it will allow us to measure the benefits of any suggested changes to technique.’