In cricket, the googly is a specialised delivery bowled by a right-arm leg-spin bowler. It is designed to look like a normal leg break at the point of release but to turn in the opposite direction after pitching. Because it behaves contrary to expectation, it is commonly called a "wrong'un" and historically has been referred to as a Bosie or Bosey after Bernard Bosanquet, its inventor.

Characteristics and technique

The defining feature of a googly is its spin and deception. A conventional leg break from a right-arm wrist-spinner spins away from a right-handed batter; a googly instead spins into a right-handed batter, resembling an off break. The change of direction is produced by a particular rotation of the wrist and fingers at release rather than a different seam position. The ball's flight and release are meant to disguise the change, so visual cues are limited.

Grip and wrist action are crucial. The bowler often uses a similar grip to the leg break but twists the wrist so that the back of the hand faces the batsman at release. Subtle differences in wrist position and finger pressure determine the degree of spin and bounce. Mastering the delivery requires repetitive practice to make the action indistinguishable from the stock delivery.

History and tactical use

Bernard Bosanquet developed the googly in the early 20th century as a surprise weapon. Over time it became an essential variation for leg-spinners because it forces batters to guess at the line and turn. It is typically introduced after setting up a batsman with a sequence of leg breaks; the sudden inward turn can induce an edge, a misjudged drive, or a bowled or lbw dismissal.

Bowling a successful googly depends on deception, not sheer pace. Captains set fields to exploit the inward turn, often crowding catching positions on the leg side or close to the bat. Batters counter the googly by watching the wrist and release, using soft hands, playing across the line with the bat angled, or using their feet to get to the pitch of the ball.

Notable points and distinctions:

  • Terminology: "googly" traditionally refers to the right-arm leg-spinner's variation; left-arm wrist-spinners have comparable deliveries but different historical names.
  • Detection relies on wrist cues: advanced players look for subtle wrist or seam signs to anticipate turn.
  • For more technical descriptions of bowling and related rules see the articles on how a ball is bowled and general bowling techniques.