The game of cricket isn't as simple the way it appears! When you start to analyse each and everything, you will come to know how extensive the game is, and it still goes on. To trigger your curiosity, I have come up with this blog. Well, in cricket, there are types of bowling used to trick the batters from hitting the ball. Similarly, there is a technique known as underarm bowling that involves its own set of rules and strategies. Let's see it here in this blog and discuss the underarm cricket rules and the strategies applied to play the game.
What Is Underarm Cricket?
The underarm cricket is derived from the type of bowling named underarm bowling. Probably underarm bowling isn't used so much these days and is quite an older type of bowling. To define it technically, it is a type of bowling in which the bowler involves the delivery of the ball below the waist. Well, this underarm bowling was much more prevalent in the earlier 19th century but was prohibited from using it in professional matches after some time. After the ban of underarm bowling in the cricket matches the roundarm method came into existence and thus flourished well in the reign of the cricket till the current date. Underarm bowling is easy to master, which you can learn from a renowned sports community.
History of the Underarm Cricket
The history dates back to the 19th century when the underarm was at its peak, and every player was amazed to learn this bowling technique. In the early days of cricket, the bowling techniques were predominantly underarm, but as time evolved, the variations approached, and the styles of bowling changed. Over time, the bowling techniques were changed and developed into the roundarm and the overarm techniques of bowling. Unlike contemporary cricket, the underarm was the original method used and played among the players. Yet the underarm did not fade with time. It is still used in informal matches like gully cricket and the backyard game. However, beyond everything, underarm cricket still captures the imagination of cricket enthusiasts around the world. It provides an enjoyable experience for players of all ages.
Rules for the Underarm Cricket
Although underarm cricket is an informal type of cricket that is played just for pleasure and fun, there are certain sets of rules to be followed for the proper functioning of the game. Here are some underarm cricket rules to follow.
Style of Bowling
As per the bowling rule, the ball should be delivered in the underarm method, instead of the overarm model. However, the deliveries of the ball are decided by the players and if the bowler intends to change the bowling method, it is a must to inform the umpire beforehand. If the ball bounces more than twice or rolls on the ground the umpire might consider and declare it as a no ball.
Path of Fielding
Similar to cricket, even in the underarm method, the fielding team aims to dismiss the batsman by either catching the ball or running them out or by hitting the ball on the wickets before the batsman reaches the crease.
Casual Rules
The underarm cricket rules depend upon the player's preferences and can be flexed with the consent of all the players. Like the bowling rules, allowing one bounce during the throw and many more other modifications in the game.
Types of Equipment
The equipment is also adjusted as per the underarm cricket rules. Unlike traditional cricket how they play with the cricket ball, here it can vary where the players can play with the tennis ball and also with local bats rather than the professional cricket bats.
Team Members
The team members in underarm cricket are usually smaller when compared to traditional cricket. It is usually around five to seven players overall, which is often played as an informal game for entertainment rather than a professional match.
Smaller Pitch
Even the pitch in underarm cricket is smaller than the regular cricket, which is usually conducted either in the backyard of the house or in a small playing area.
Frequently Asked Questions on Underarm Cricket Rules
What Is Actually Underarm Bowling?
If the bowler delivers the ball up to the elbow level, it is considered as the underarm bowling technique. Underarm bowling makes it difficult for the batsman to strike a six with this technique. However, it was predominant in the early period of the 19th century, when a man named John Willes experienced the over-arm and the roundarm method, which left everyone stunned. After that, it was practised continuously and now, if the underarm is applied without the consent of any one of the teams, it is considered as no ball.
Why Was Underarm Bowling Banned?
Underarm bowling was banned by the ICC, considering it out of the spirit game. In February 1981, there was a match between the New Zealand and Australia, where newzealand player required 6 runs to tie the match, but the Australian bowler Trevor Chappel delivered the ball by rolling it along the pitch so the batsman couldn't hit the ball. After this, there was a ban on the underarm bowling technique in cricket. However, it is allowed if both teams agree to sit before the match.
When was the Underarm Bowling Technique Established?
The first underarm serve was deployed by in the year 1989 against Murray's former coach, Ivan Lendl.
In conclusion, underarm cricket rules are a bit different from box cricket rules and traditional cricket. Yet it is a game of fun and enjoyment rather than looking at it as a professional cricket match. So get ready to unravel the fun behind the underarm cricket with unlimited enjoyment.
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