The art of yorker bowling
A yorker is a bowling technique used by skilled bowlers in cricket where the ball is directed at or near the feet of the batsman. This is considered one of the most difficult deliveries for a batsman to play. Because the yorker greatly restricts the time and space available for a shot. It is very well known to the players and fans all over the world that it is very difficult to play yorker balls in the most accurate deliveries. Because og that Batsmen who face yorker deliveries often face LBW dismissals.
Bowling a yorker very successfully requires precise technique and control. For that, the bowler’s grip on the ball should be good, and the position of the wrist is also very important. The release position of the ball is also crucial to it. In yorker bowling, the ball has to be released before the bowler’s hand reaches the highest point. This enables the ball to be sent to the correct target.
The importance of yorker balls are very crucial especially in limited over cricket matches. In the death overs, when the batsmen are trying to maximize their runs, they can be put under pressure without giving many runs and get a chance to take wickets as well. It is a crucial weapon in a good bowler’s armory, especially in T20 cricket, where every run saved can lead to the victory of the match.
Since the history, yorker bowling has evolved as one of the main bowling in cricket. Legendary bowlers such as Pakistan’s Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis, known for the reverse swing and pinpoint yorkers, revolutionized its use in the 1990s. Sri Lankan cricketer Lasith Malinga is regarded as the “King of Yorkers” by fans around the world and he made a notable difference to yorker bowling in limited overs matches, especially in T20 Internationals with his talented yorker bowling. Also recently, Indian bowlers such as Jasprit Bumrah are bowlers who use the yorkers well in their deliveries.
The art of yorker is considered an essential skill for any fast bowler who wants to do be a top in cricket and its importance is not only in reducing wickets but also in reducing the rate of getting runs is a key part of the strategy of bowlers worldwide.
Best yorker Bowlers in the world 2024
During this time, several bowlers bowling the yorker balls very well and their unique ability to do so made them stand out from the rest of the bowlers. Among the best yorkers in 2024, Indian player Jasprit Bumrah stands out. Known for his pinpoint accuracy, Bumrah’s average yorker success rate is 85%. His economy rate stands at 6.75 in the death overs, a crucial factor of limited overs matches. Bumrah’s way of runup and deceptive release point make it difficult for batsmen to predict, especially his yorkers. In a recent interview, Bumrah said that he is focusing on mental toughness and intense training to perfect his skills.
Another bowler who uses the yorker ball well is New Zealand cricketer Trent Boult. Boult’s ability to swing the ball late into the batsman gives his yorkers an extra edge. His yorker bowling success rate is around 80%, and death overs economy rate is 7.1. On flat pitches as well as seaming pitches, Boult’s adaptability in different match situations makes him a powerful bowler. Cricket analyst Ian Bishop has praised Boult’s commitment to improving his skills, citing his extensive training sessions aimed at further developing his bowling.
When talking about yorkers, Pakistan young cricketer Shaheen Shah Afridi should also be mentioned. Afridi’s height and ability to generate pace make it difficult for batsmen to deal with his yorkers. His success rate of bowling yorkers is 82%, and he maintains an economy rate of 7.0 in the death overs. Afridi’s technique involves a raised arm action that enables him to direct the ball sharply at the last moment. According to his coach, Afridi’s persistence towards fitness and accuracy has been the main reason for his success.
Afghanistan’s world famous leg spinner Rashid Khan, who has been ranked as one of the best bowlers in the world for a long time, has also excelled in yorker bowling. He uses his unorthodox delivery and arm speed to bowl yorkers, and his yorkers have a success rate of 78% and an economy rate of 6.9 in death overs. Rashid’s adaptability and planning skills are crucial as noted by various cricket experts who appreciate his ability.
Also, the young Sri Lankan player Matheesha Pathirana is a player who has recently become famous all over the world as a player who can bowl yorkers at a good speed. He is famous all over the world with the nickname “Baby Malinga”. This is because his bowling style is very similar to that of Lasith Malinga, who is considered the “King of Yorkers”. In recently, he has managed to show his skills well in the IPL under the guidance of MS Dhoni.
Comparing these bowlers, it is clear that their unique techniques and unwavering commitment have enabled them to showcase their respective talents.
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